British and Irish lions allay fears about 2021 tour clash with Tokyo Olympics

The British and Irish Lions have played down concerns over next year’s tour of South Africa clashing with the rescheduled Olympic Games, with evening kick-offs for the three-Test series against the Springboks ensuring no crossover with major events in Tokyo. Rugby fans can book British and Irish Lions Tour Tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

Tour organizers have also allayed fears revenue will be hit given broadcast contracts including the bumper deal with Sky Sports are all but finalized.

The International Olympic Committee confirmed on Monday that the Tokyo Games will take place from July 23 to August 8, 2021. It is understood that the IOC consulted with World Rugby, but still chose to reorganize the Olympic Games to directly overlap with Lions test matches against world champions. , which are scheduled for July 24, July 31, and August 7.

The Olympics reserves a number of its main events for weekends, as was the case for Super Saturday at London 2012 but it is understood the three Tests are due to kick off at 6 pm local time - 5 pm in the UK and, crucially, 1 am in Tokyo.

"The priority right now has to be the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic," said Ben Calveley, managing director of the Lions.

“We are determined to play our part in what will be an extraordinary sports summer. There should be no head to head with Lions matches and Olympic events gave the time difference between South Africa and Tokyo, so fans shouldn't miss any action. We look forward to a fantastic series against the world champions."

South Africa

Last week a leading rugby administrator in South Africa claimed. The Lions could save the game in the country given the 2017 tour ensured a profit of around £20m for New Zealand Rugby and contributed more than £100m to the country’s GDP.

While the host nation makes considerably more than its tourists, the Lions rely heavily on sponsorship income. Commercial revenues may take a hit matching the £6m plus Standard Life paid to be the lead partner in 2017 is likely to prove difficult but there is confidence the drop-off will not be made worse by the clash with the Tokyo Games.

On-sale dates for tickets and official travel packages have been postponed. They were due to go on sale in South Africa next month and in the UK in July but both dates have been pushed back.

"As I'm sure our supporters will understand, both unions did not think it was appropriate to make tickets and our 2021 tour packages available for purchase at this time," Calverley said. “We hope to be able to announce new sales dates in the near future but until then we would like to wish everyone the best of health in these unprecedented times.”

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