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British and Irish Lions decline Australia offer to host series against South Africa this summer

British & Irish Lions board agrees to decline offer of Rugby Australia to host eight-match tour; Tour will culminate with three Test matches against South Africa; Playing games behind closed doors in South Africa the likely outcome, with a 'home series' still also under discussion

The British and Irish Lions could be playing South Africa in Australia this year
Image: The British and Irish Lions will not be playing South Africa in Australia this summer

The British and Irish Lions have declined Australia's offer to host this summer's series against South Africa.

A board meeting on Friday made the decision due to the lack of financial certainty over the finance of Rugby Australia staging the eight-game tour, which culminates in a three-Test series against the Springboks.

Four options remain under consideration but each has significant drawbacks with a decision due in March.

Proceeding with the original itinerary in South Africa either with small crowds or behind closed doors could yet happen, while the financially-risky possibility of holding the tour in Britain and Ireland is also being explored.

Playing the matches on home soil is understood to only be an option if the Government agrees to underwrite the financial risk, something the Treasury is currently reluctant to do.

Postponing the tour until 2022 is the least likely course of action due to the ramifications for the home unions' summer tours, while the last option is cancellation.

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South Africa's board meet next week with the likelihood of the world champions hosting the Lions behind closed doors gaining momentum.

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