City welcomes British and Irish Lions rugby tour announcement

24 March 2021

Executive Mayor Alderman Dan Plato expressed excitement that the much-anticipated Lion’s Tour has been confirmed to take place in South Africa, including Cape Town later this year, as the event had been uncertain due to the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic.

‘As a host city, we are pleased to hear that the British and Irish Lions and SA Rugby have agreed to proceed with this prestigious tournament. We are confident that, with the strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols and an innovative way of structuring the tournament, this event will be able to bring joy to thousands of sports lovers. There has not yet been any confirmation on whether spectators will be allowed in stadiums and this will be communicated as soon as any confirmation is received. We are committed to working with the organisers to deliver a safe and entertaining tournament.
 
‘There is nothing like the energy and spirit of a live sports match. Residents, visitors and tourists missed out on the Cape Town Rugby Sevens last year, but we hope that this tournament will help make it up to sports fans hopeful for the resumption of international rugby tournaments hosted in Cape Town,’ said Alderman Plato.

The events industry is a crucial part of our local economy and we are determined to uphold our reputation as a top events destination and supports the recovery of the sector.
 
Cape Town has been home to annual signature events, including the Cape Town Rugby Sevens, Tweede Nuwe Jaar Street Parade, Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, among others. In 2020, the Mother City was also able to attract new events, including the Africa Netball Cup, the TP52 Super Series, Miss South Africa grand finale and the once-off Match in Africa with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
 
‘Cape Town was named the World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2020 at the World Travel Awards and I can think of no better place than our beautiful city to play host to this exceptional display of sporting talent,’ added Plato.

The finer details of the tour are to be announced by the organisers in due course.

 
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office