British & Irish Lions chairperson puzzles with latest SA tour comments

British & Irish Lions chairperson Jason Leonard says his board is committed to producing a “traditional’ tour” of South Africa and are prepared to delay a final decision for as long as possible.

READ | SHARKS CONFIRM INTEREST IN SIYA KOLISI BUT LAUGH OFF R1 MILLION TRANSFER FEE

There has been great confusion – and contrasting information – over the first tour of South Africa by the British & Irish Lions since 2009.

World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte is on record as saying a final decision will be made by the end of March, but Leonard confirmed the British & Irish Lions board, who were expected to make a final decision by mid-February, could wait another two months to make their final call.

Contingency plans have included staging the series in the UK and Ireland, while Australia has also offered to host the tour, scheduled to take place in from July 3 to August 7.

Should the tour go ahead in South Africa, it is also likely that the matches would be held behind closed doors, said Leonard.

That bombshell is also contrary to what was initially announced. The British & Irish Lions are expected to have as many as 30 000 fans travel to South Africa.

Tickets have already been snapped up for the three Tests and five other tour matches.

READ | FRANCOIS HOUGAARD WEIGHS UP OPTIONS: BRITISH CITIZENSHIP OR RETURN TO LOFTUS

Speaking at the relaunch of the Front Row Club, a fundraising platform for his charity, the Atlas Foundation, Leonard said the board were determined to delay the decision as late as possible in order to get “the best possible solution” based on the latest information.

“It is all fluid, there could be a decision next week, there could be one in four, six or eight weeks’ time,” Leonard said.

“There is nothing on the table at this moment in time where we are saying ‘this is what we need to do’.

“We are still working with all involved to give ourselves the best option of hopefully trying to provide a traditional Lions tour – at least as much as a traditional Lions tour as we possibly can. Obviously it is not a traditional year, so a traditional Lions tour could well be impossible to deliver.

“I think from all concerned, until someone tells us it is not on, you want to deliver a tour in South Africa this summer.”

Watch this space!

READ | PROP-ER LOSS: CHEETAHS AND SA LOSE YOUNG STAR PROP TO SCOTTISH SIDE