British and Irish Lions management turn down Australia offer to host tour: reports

FILE PHOTO: Rugby World Cup - Final - England v South Africa - International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan - November 2, 2019 South Africa players celebrate after winning the World Cup Final while England players look dejected REUTERS/Matthew Childs

(Reuters) - The British and Irish Lions board has turned down Australia's offer to stage their tour of South Africa this year which is under threat because of the COVID-19 crisis, British media reported.

The Lions are scheduled to visit South Africa for eight matches between July 3 and Aug. 7, including three tests against the world champion Springboks. But the series remains under threat because of the impact of the pandemic.