Cape Town will be the British and Irish Lions’ first stop when they come to South Africa in 2021.
The South African Rugby Union released the Lions’ tour itinerary on Tuesday, with the Stormers set to host Europe’s best in the first match at Cape Town Stadium on 3 July.
Coach Warren Gatland’s men will return to the Mother City on 31 July to face the Springboks at the same stadium in the second of three Tests.
ONCE IN A LIFETIME: Rassie Erasmus believes this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many players. Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix.
Director of Rugby in South Africa, Rassie Erasmus, says of the tour: “There are players who have been to three Rugby World Cups and finished their careers with a winner’s medal and yet never got to play against the Lions.
“They only come around every 12 years for our players and only a few of them ever have the privilege of wearing the Springbok jersey in a Lions series.
“The Lions have not lost a series since they were last here a decade ago and they will present next-level challenge in 18 months’ time.
CHALLENGE: Experienced Lions coach Warren Gatland believes there tour of SA with be a challenge. Picture: Matthew Childs/Reuters.
“Warren Gatland is a massively experienced and astute coach with a phenomenal record with the Lions and the rugby experience for our players and public will rival that of a World Cup.
“The Lions performed extremely well on their previous two tours [to Australia and New Zealand] and will no doubt relish the opportunity to add the Springboks’ scalp.”
Tour With Us. Travel with the Lions to South Africa in 2021 for what promises to be the trip of a lifetime... pic.twitter.com/wt43m8RPBk
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) December 4, 2019
Springboks v British & Irish Lions full 2021 tour schedule:
- Saturday 3 July: Lions v Stormers - CT Stadium
- Wednesday 7 July: Lions v SA ‘Invitational’ - Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
- Saturday 10 July: Lions v Sharks - Kings Park
- Wednesday 14 July: Lions v SA ‘A’ - Mbombela Stadium
- Saturday 17 July: Lions v Bulls - Loftus Versfeld
- Saturday 24 July (first Test): Boks v Lions - FNB Stadium
- Saturday 31 July (second Test): Boks v Lions - CT Stadium
- Saturday 7 August (third Test): Springboks v Lions - Ellis Park