News, Rugby March 2, 2020

British and Irish Lions Tour 2021 fixtures confirmed

British and Irish Lions Tour 2021 fixtures confirmed
The fixture list for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa has been announced, and the itinerary will consist of five warm-up matches and three Test matches. Lions tour tickets always sell very quickly so make sure you register your interest with Expat Sport now to be informed as soon as our packages are launched.
Off the back of an exceptional Rugby World Cup 2019 victory, South Africa’s confidence is sky high and a Lions tour in South Africa will be a very difficult undertaking. The last time the British and Irish lions lined up against the Springboks was back in 2009 and they touring side went down 2-1 in the series despite leading right up until the 76th minute in the crunch second test before finally losing 28-25 after an incredible 52 metre penalty went over for South Africa a full two minutes into stoppage time.

Former Wales head coach and Lions head coach for the 2013 and 2017 tours Warren Gatland will take the reins once again for the 2021 tour.

In 2013 the Lions won the three-Test series against Australia 2-1, with wins in Brisbane and Sydney, while in 2017 they beat New Zealand in Wellington after a loss in Auckland despite putting in an epic performance. In the deciding game at Eden Park the Lions drew with the All Blacks 15-15, levelling the series.

South Africa is a country of high rugby passion and exceptional beauty and vibrancy and booking Lions tour 2021 tickets with Expat Sport makes for a once in a lifetime trip to a magical country.

The Fixtures for the three Lions tour 2021 Test matches against South Africa are:

Saturday 24 July 2021 (First Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

Saturday 31 July 2021 (Second Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

Saturday 7 August 2021 (Third Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

Coach Gatland looks forward to Lyons tour

Speaking after the announcement of the Lions tour fixtures, Head Coach, Warren Gatland said:

“I am absolutely thrilled with how this schedule looks. Touring South Africa is always a huge challenge, not only from a rugby perspective but also in terms of the venues and the conditions facing the players.

“We are very comfortable that three of the games, two of which are Test matches, will be played at altitude. Our schedule falls in a way to allow us to start at sea level before building up and acclimatising to the unique environment that playing at altitude presents.

“Ensuring the team are absolutely primed for the Test matches is a critical element of any Lions Tour, and I am confident the quality of opposition we will face in the opening weeks will get us ready to take on the Springboks. The Bulls, Sharks and Stormers are all tough sides and present different challenges, which is exactly what we want.

“Moreover, the venues we have agreed – some of which will be new to the Lions – open up the matches to a vast audience and will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable experience for the players and travelling supporters alike.

“We are very much looking forward to touring this wonderful country.”

To ensure access to all our Expat Sport British and Irish Lions tour 2021 tickets and packages please register your interest here: https://www.expatsport.com/sporting-events/the-british-and-irish-lions-2021