Summer 2021 is a huge one for sport all over the world, especially following the postponements and cancellations of Covid-hit 2020.
One of the most exciting fixtures for rugby fans has to be the British & Lions 2021 tour of South Africa, which kicks off this July. Matches will take place behind closed doors due to coronavirus regulations, but you can still follow one of the world’s greatest rugby touring teams on TV, as most fixtures will be shown on Sky Sports.
Here are the key dates and locations you need to know for this summer’s tour:
3rdJuly 2021 – Emirates Lions vs. British & Irish Lions in Johannesburg
Taking place at the Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) in the South African mega city, the tour kicks off with a fiery first match against Johannesburg’s home team.
7thJuly 2021 – Cell C Sharks vs. British and Irish Lions in Johannesburg
The second match at Ellis Park Stadium sees the Lions take on Durban-based Sharks in a much-anticipated clash.
10thJuly 2021 – Vodacom Bulls v British & Irish Lions in Pretoria
Heading over to the second venue in the province of Gauteng, the Lions will face the three-time Super Rugby Champions in the hugely atmospheric Loftus Versfeld stadium.
14thJuly 2021 – South Africa ‘A’ v British & Irish Lions in Cape Town
The Lions arrive at Cape Town Stadium to tackle the might of the country’s second national rugby team, South Africa ‘A’.
17thJuly 2021 – DHL Stormers v British & Irish Lions in Cape Town
The last match before the Test series begins is a toughie for the Lions, as they’ll face the DHL Stormers at the fantastic Cape Town Stadium.
24thJuly 2021 – Springboks v British & Irish Lions – 1st Test in Cape Town
The Lions remain in Cape Town for the 1st Test against the reigning World Champions, in one of the most anticipated Lions Test matches in recent history.
31stJuly 2021 – Springboks v British & Irish Lions – 2nd Test in Johannesburg
The tour returns to Johannesburg for the second in this momentous three-test series, this time taking place at FNB Stadium.
7thAugust 2021 – Springboks v British & Irish Lions – 3rd Test in Johannesburg
In the last and potentially deciding match of the series, tensions will be high in this Lions vs. Springboks clash at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Don’t miss it!
Lions tour hits Australia in 2025
Unfortunately, due to Covid regulations, fans will not be permitted to attend matches in the South Africa 2021 tour in person. But don’t worry, as the British & Irish Lions 2025 Tour to Australia is on the calendar!
Billed as rugby’s ultimate adventure, the Lions will be touring Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for Test matches. Outside of these focus matches, the tour is also expected to hit Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and other locations for a series of warm-up matches.
If you’d love to follow the Lions on tour to Australia in 2025, or are dreaming of having your own South African adventure inspired by the 2021 tour route through Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, it’s never too early to start planning.
Get in touch with the Blank Canvas team, and we’ll give you a personal travel expert to put together a bespoke itinerary just for you.