Sky Sports has secured the rights to exclusively broadcast every match of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour live in the UK.
The pay-TV broadcaster will be the only place to watch the three-Test series against the Springboks in South Africa in 2021, as well as their five warm-up matches.
The deal means Sky Sports will show its seventh successive Lions tour, a partnership that will enter its 25th year in 2021.
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, which was the first Lions Tour to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, while South Africa went on to claim victory by the same margin in 2009.
The 2021 tour of South Africa follows a dramatic 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.
Commenting on the deal, 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.”
The last series in South Africa in 2009 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.
Commenting on the 2021 Tour and the Sky Sports deal, Gatland said:
“Lions Tours are always unique, but to take on the world champions in their backyard will be something very special.
“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 2021 Lions Tour itinerary will be the shortest ever containing only two midweek fixtures, with the three Tests played in one block from 24 July which will all clash with the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.
Scroll down below to see the full 2021 Tour schedule. Every match will be exclusively live on Sky Sports.
For a full list of all forthcoming major rugby union matches on the box, visit SOTB’s dedicated rugby union TV listings page.
–
SATURDAY 3rd JULY
Stormers v British & Irish Lions
|
|
–
WEDNESDAY 7th JULY
SA ‘Invitational’ v British & Irish Lions
|
|
–
SATURDAY 10th JULY
Sharks v British & Irish Lions
|
|
–
WEDNESDAY 14th JULY
South Africa ‘A’ v British & Irish Lions
|
|
–
SATURDAY 17th JULY
Bulls v British & Irish Lions
|
|
–
SATURDAY 24th JULY
South Africa v British & Irish Lions
|
|
–
SATURDAY 31st JULY
South Africa v British & Irish Lions
|
|
–
SATURDAY 7th AUGUST
South Africa v British & Irish Lions
|
|
–
–
