Rian Oberholzer, the CEO of SA Rugby, has expressed his worries about the potential shift in the British & Irish Lions' traditional touring model. The Telegraph recently revealed that the Lions might be rethinking their routine trips to South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia - a pattern unchanged since 1989. With possible new destinations like France, Japan, and the Americas on the radar post-2029, the scheduled 2033 tour to South Africa hangs in the balance.
Oberholzer didn't mince words when he said,
"It would be tragic if the British & Irish Lions went ahead with their plans to seek greener pastures and therefore no longer tour South Africa every 12 years."
He highlighted the financial blow from the 2021 tour, which, due to the pandemic, saw matches played in desolate stadiums, severely denting profit margins.
The financial stakes are high, as demonstrated by last year's tour in Australia, which netted Rugby Australia a whopping A$70-million in profits. This underscores the significant economic impact these tours have, not just on the hosting nation but on the sport's global marketability.
Former Scotland No. 8 and two-time Lions tourist, John Beattie, shared his perspective, noting the importance of traditional rugby nations like South Africa in the Lions' history. He remarked,
"South Africa is a real rugby country."
Beattie acknowledged the commercial rationale behind exploring new markets but seemed nostalgic about the potential loss of tradition if the Lions were to bypass South Africa.
This possible redirection in the Lions' touring strategy could reshape international rugby dynamics, impacting fan experiences, player opportunities, and financial outcomes for traditional host nations. The decision is fraught with both opportunity and risk, signaling a pivotal moment in the sport's evolving landscape.
As discussions continue, the rugby world watches closely, hoping that tradition and progression can find a common ground in the beloved sport's future.
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Rian Oberholzer, the CEO of SA Rugby, has expressed his worries about the potential shift in the British & Irish Lions' traditional touring model. The Telegraph recently revealed that the Lions might be rethinking their routine trips to South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia - a pattern unchanged since 1989. With possible new destinations like France, Japan, and the Americas on the radar post-2029, the scheduled 2033 tour to South Africa hangs in the balance.
Oberholzer didn't mince words when he said,
"It would be tragic if the British & Irish Lions went ahead with their plans to seek greener pastures and therefore no longer tour South Africa every 12 years."
He highlighted the financial blow from the 2021 tour, which, due to the pandemic, saw matches played in desolate stadiums, severely denting profit margins.The financial stakes are high, as demonstrated by last year's tour in Australia, which netted Rugby Australia a whopping A$70-million in profits. This underscores the significant economic impact these tours have, not just on the hosting nation but on the sport's global marketability.
Former Scotland No. 8 and two-time Lions tourist, John Beattie, shared his perspective, noting the importance of traditional rugby nations like South Africa in the Lions' history. He remarked,
"South Africa is a real rugby country."
Beattie acknowledged the commercial rationale behind exploring new markets but seemed nostalgic about the potential loss of tradition if the Lions were to bypass South Africa.This possible redirection in the Lions' touring strategy could reshape international rugby dynamics, impacting fan experiences, player opportunities, and financial outcomes for traditional host nations. The decision is fraught with both opportunity and risk, signaling a pivotal moment in the sport's evolving landscape.
As discussions continue, the rugby world watches closely, hoping that tradition and progression can find a common ground in the beloved sport's future.