Lions Tour

Samoa back radical re-think of 2025 Lions tour to Australia

Mapusua, the Samoa head coach, wants to ensure his country is included in the proposed schedule after Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan failed to mention them when putting forward the idea of Pacific Islands fixtures.

McLennan only name checked Fiji and Tonga despite Samoa having recently qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France by defeating Tonga in two matches.

Mapusua told RugbyPass: “I hope we haven’t done something to upset Rugby Australia because we would want to be involved in any fixtures for the Pacific Islands nations against the Lions.”

Lions not concerned by Tokyo Olympics clash with Springboks series

It was announced on Monday that the Games in Japan will be staged from July 23 to August 8, 2021 after being postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Lions start the three-Test series against world champions South Africa on July 24, with further showdowns to come on July 31 and August 7.

Lions managing director Ben Calveley says kick-off times will prevent sports lovers from missing any of the action.

"Fans should not miss out on any action," said Calveley.

"We are determined to play our part in what will be an extraordinary summer of sport."

Lions must find composure

The Lions scored four penalties to one to beat the Crusaders 12-3 in Christchurch but any potential try-scoring chances went begging.

Robinson was renowned for his speed and ability to cross the line in both codes, and he believes the Lions must score tries and take the game to the All Blacks to beat them.

The Lions play the Highlanders in Dunedin on Tuesday in the first of three tour matches before the test series begins at Eden Park on June 24.

Lions to dedicate tour to London victims, says Warburton

Speaking in Waitangi on Sunday, the Wales star's thoughts were with the six people killed and at least 48 others injured in the incident at London Bridge and the Borough Market.

Warburton, whose team opened their tour with a 13-7 win over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians on Saturday, said the Lions wanted to bring some joy to those affected.

"In future performances and wins, we'll dedicate to those who have been involved and I guess we can play a small part in trying to cheer a majority of the nation up by trying to be successful over here," he said.

Jones doubts Lions can win

The Lions face a daunting task as they take on the world champions on their own soil across June and July, having suffered a whitewash on their last visit.

Jones claims Wales boss Gatland's approach will be too rigid to get the better of the All Blacks, who are heavy favourites to triumph.

"I think it's going to be very tough for them [the Lions]," Jones told The Telegraph.

"They picked their squad to play a certain style based on the influence of Wales.

Injury toll mounting ahead of Lions Tour

Coles is facing a battle to be match-fit for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand after it was revealed he's suffering from concussion symptoms.

Coles hasn't played for the Hurricanes since mid-March when he limped off against the Highlanders with a knee injury.

He then suffered a calf injury at training but Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd says he also began experiencing headaches when exercising. It's not known how he gained concussion nor how long he will be off the field.