The British and Irish Lions have been given the go-ahead to tour South Africa next summer - sparking fresh concern for player welfare.
Weeks of uncertainty ended when organisers confirmed that the eight-match trip, culminating in three Tests against the world champion Springboks, will take place as originally scheduled.
Both parties had been prepared to push the tour back into the autumn if it freed up a summer slot for global rugby to at least make a start on repairing its parlous financial situation.
But with club and country unable to agree on a route out of Covid crisis, the Lions have chosen to go ahead as planned, starting in Cape Town on July 3 and running through to August 7, when the final Test is staged at Ellis Park.
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