It beggars belief that the Lions are treated so badly

THE Lions have announced the itinerary for their five-week 2021 tour of South Africa, and with it comes a huge sense of disappointment that the Premiership has not shifted their position.

It is beyond me why they are not prepared to move the Premiership final forward by a week in June 2021 to support the Lions, or if need be come to some financial arrangement to make it possible for the tourists to have an extra week of training and play a match at Twickenham as an important part of their preparation.

I cannot see why it is not possible to arrange it, and they should be honest about their reasons. The game as a whole is better for the Lions, so how come one of the leagues is blocking them, and not saying why it takes that view?

The Lions is a mutual benefit for everyone. Players return with bigger profiles, and that is of benefit to their clubs, to the league, and to its broadcasters and sponsors. So, why would a league like the Premiership, that supplies so many Lions players, hinder it by showing no flexibility when it is for the greater good of the game? It beggars belief.

We are going to find out just how difficult a five-week tour is – but I’m a realist, and we have to deal with what we’re given. What we know is that it was hard enough last time in New Zealand with just six weeks.

However, it was also hard when the Lions first started and they were away for almost a year, and then, midway through their existence when they were away for six months, to where we are today.

What has not changed is that, ultimately, the Lions is all about winning. Sure, it’s about enjoying who you’re with, and making the most of the touring experience – but the end goal was always winning those Test matches.

It will be more difficult now it is a much shorter tour, and there will not be much time for sightseeing or off-field activities. A six/seven week tour was pushing it to pull a team together, and now it will be even harder.