Rugby-COVID-19 rules have strengthened bond among Lions, says prop Jones

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - International Test - British and Irish Lions v Japan - Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain - June 26, 2021 British and Irish Lions' Alun Wyn Jones with a trophy after the match Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith/File Photo

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Prop Wyn Jones admits it is a British & Irish Lions tour like no other without fans to roar on the side in South Africa, but said COVID-19 restrictions that has confined the squad to their hotel has brought them closer together.

Jones will pack down at the front of the scrum when the Lions take on world champions South Africa in the first of three tests in front of empty stands at the 55,000-seater Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.