UK Treasury backs Lions "home tour"

The UK treasury is reportedly willing to back a home tour for the British & Irish Lions tour later this year.

With the original plan of the Lions touring to South Africa dwindling more and more each day, ministers believe that hosting the spectacle will have positive consequences in terms of driving support for the Union.

A UK Government source said: “Alister [Jack, Scottish secretary] has very high hopes that it could happen and he’s made his views known at the highest level.

“Seeing the lions play at Murrayfield could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Scottish rugby fans. He’s desperately keen to see that happen.”

Financial viability of the tour will require stadiums to be 25% full and indications are that this is now a real possibility – according to the UK government’s roadmap out of lockdown – with some even suggesting that full crowds could be expected.

A Whitehall source said: "Ministers understand that having a home Lions series is not ideal.

"This would not be trying to change the nature of the tour, but recognising these are unprecedented times.

"It's a one-off, so let's embrace it and potentially give a massive boost to pubs and hospitality at the same time."

There is still some uncertainty surrounding Ireland whose government continues to exercise caution with the notion of crowds returning to stadiums.