Sky Sports Channel Logo

Rugby Union News

News

  • News
  • Teams
  • Competitions
  • Fixtures
  • Results
  • Tables
  • Video
  • On Sky
  • Scores
  • Sky Bet

British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa live and exclusive on Sky Sports in 2021

British & Irish Lions vs world champion Springboks, plus five warm-up matches between July 3-August 7 2021, all live and exclusive on Sky Sports

By Sky Sports Rugby Union

Last Updated: 15/07/20 9:05pm

Sky Sports will exclusively show the British and Irish Lions' eight-game tour to South Africa in 2021

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports

Sky Sports will exclusively show the British and Irish Lions' eight-game tour to South Africa in 2021
Sky Sports will exclusively show the British and Irish Lions' eight-game tour to South Africa in 2021

Sky Sports will exclusively show the British & Irish Lions' three-Test series against the Springboks in South Africa in 2021, as well as their five warm-up matches.

This agreement means Sky Sports will show its seventh successive Lions tour, a partnership that will enter its 25th year in 2021.

The Lions will face the Springboks in three Tests - all exclusively live on Sky. The rights also include each of the five warm-up matches.

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS TOUR 2021 FIXTURES

Saturday 3rd July 2021 DHL Stormers Cape Town Cape Town Stadium
Wednesday 7th July 2021 South Africa 'Invitational' Port Elizabeth Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Saturday 10th July 2021 Cell C Sharks Durban Jonsson Kings Park
Wednesday 14th July 2021 South Africa 'A' Nelspruit Mbombela Stadium
Saturday 17th July 2021 Vodacom Bulls Pretoria Loftus Versfeld
Saturday 24th July 2021 South Africa Johannesburg FNB Stadium
Saturday 31st July 2021 South Africa Cape Town Cape Town Stadium
Saturday 7th August 2021 South Africa Johannesburg Emirates Airline Park

As with the previous two clashes between the Lions and the Springboks, the hosts will come into the series as world champions. The Lions won the series 2-1 in 1997, while South Africa went on to claim victory by the same margin in 2009.

The 2009 series hinged on a 52-metre last-gasp penalty from Morne Steyn in the second Test, which sealed a memorable 28-25 victory for South Africa. Warren Gatland was the forwards coach for that tour, but this time the 56-year-old will be head coach, having been confirmed for his third stint at the helm.

"Lions Tours are always unique, but to take on the world champions in their backyard will be something very special," said Gatland.

We've been through the archive and put together the best tries from the British & Irish Lions Test series over the years. Which is your favourite?

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports

We've been through the archive and put together the best tries from the British & Irish Lions Test series over the years. Which is your favourite?
We've been through the archive and put together the best tries from the British & Irish Lions Test series over the years. Which is your favourite?

"Having toured there in 2009 I know the scale of the task ahead of us - playing in South Africa presents a number of unique challenges such as playing at altitude, while the Boks will always be physical, aggressive and highly motivated.

"History tells you it's a tough place to tour, but I am confident that we can go there and win.

"Sky Sports always do an excellent job covering the Tour, so I am delighted they are on board again."

The tour of South Africa follows a spectacular series in New Zealand in 2017, in which the Lions fought back to secure a share of the spoils, with the deciding Test match ending in a nail-biting draw.

Look back on some of the iconic moments from the Lions' 2017 tour of New Zealand

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports

Look back on some of the iconic moments from the Lions' 2017 tour of New Zealand
Look back on some of the iconic moments from the Lions' 2017 tour of New Zealand

Rob Webster, Sky Sports Managing Director, said: "There are a handful of events in the sporting calendar that truly transcend their sport, and a Lions Tour is one of them. It's a moment in time, where the home nations come together to take on the best in the world.

"We're hugely proud of our association with the Lions, and we're looking forward to bringing our customers every twist and turn of what is sure to be a spectacular Tour."

Also See:

  • 'Lions need abrasive captain'
  • Rugby Stars Quiz II: Habana vs Heaslip
  • Rugby Retro: Gatland on 2017 Lions tour to NZ
  • Rugby Retro: Jamie Roberts on Lions 2013
Warren Gatland will lead the Lions in their South Africa tour next summer
Warren Gatland will lead the Lions in their South Africa tour next summer

Lions fans will be able to follow the tour 24 hours a day on Sky Sports News, via the Sky Sports app, on SkySports.com and via Sky Sports social channels.

Every match from South Africa will be exclusively live on Sky Sports, and fans who don't have Sky will be able to catch all the action via streaming service NOW TV, which offers day, week and month passes to all 11 Sky Sports channels.

Trending

  • 1
    Transfer Centre LIVE! Can Man Utd cope without Ronaldo? Send us your comments
  • 2
    British Grand Prix: Sainz on pole, Hamilton starts fifth LIVE!
  • 3
    Billings bowled for 36; England nine down, trailing by over 140 LIVE!
  • 4
    Wimbledon: Brits Watson & Norrie in action along with Djokovic LIVE!
  • 5
    Papers: Ajax's Antony to replace Ronaldo if he leaves Man Utd
  • 6
    Ronaldo wants to leave this summer | Man Utd insist forward is not for sale
  • 7
    Man Utd transfer rumours: Eriksen offered £150k a week | De Vrij a top target
  • 8
    Fulham agree £20m Palhinha deal | Liverpool unveil Carvalho
  • 9
    Arsenal transfer rumours: Gunners contact Benfica over deal for Grimaldo
  • 10
    Chelsea transfer rumours: Raphinha deal in doubt | Sterling holds positive talks
  • Video
  • Latest News
  • Home
  • Sports
    • Football
    • F1
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Rugby League
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • NFL
    • Tennis
    • Racing
    • Darts
    • NBA
    • Netball
    • GAA
    • MMA
    • More Sports
  • Scores
  • Video
  • TV
  • Sky Bet
  • Games
  • More
    • Transfer Centre
    • Live on Sky
    • Get Sky Sports
    • TV Shows
    • TV Guide
    • Sky Go
    • Now TV
    • Kick It Out
    • Black Lives Matter
    • Sky Zero
    • Podcasts
    • Mobile
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Contact Us
    • Work @ Sky Sports
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Sky Sports
    • Get Sky Sports
    • Sky Sports Apps
    • Sportinglife.com
    • TEAMtalk.com
    • Football365.com
  • Partners
    • Sky Bet
    • Fantasy Football
    • Super 6
    • Planet Rugby
    • Golf365
    • Planet F1
    • Cricket365
  • Sky Sports Channels
    • Sky Sports Main Event
    • Sky Sports Premier League
    • Sky Sports Football
    • Sky Sports Cricket
    • Sky Sports Golf
    • Sky Sports Racing
    • Sky Sports F1
    • Sky Sports Action
    • Sky Sports Arena
    • Sky Sports News
    • Sky Sports Mix
  • More Sky Sites
    • Sky.com
    • Sky News
    • Sky Group
    • Sky For Businesses
    • Work @ Sky Sports
    • NOW TV
    • Sky Communal TV
    • Bigger Picture
    • Store Locator
    • Advertise With Us
    • Sky TV Accessories
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy & Cookies Notice
  • Privacy Options
  • Accessibility Information
  • Contact Us

Sky Sports Channel Logo ©2022 Sky UK