RU Today: No change in Lions tour dates and Greatest XV

David Skippers

British and Irish Lions fans during the third test of the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour at Eden Park, Auckland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 8, 2017. See PA story RUGBYU Lions. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use or obscuring of sponsor logos. Editorial use only. No commercial use or obscuring of sponsor logos.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we cover SA Rugby’s announcement that the 2021 Lions tour dates will not change despite the Covid-19 threat.

What’s on the site

The South African Rugby Union issued a statement in which they said they have no plans to change the dates of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour for now, although they revealed that they are making plans for a possible switch due to the coronavirus pandemic.

We also have another instalment of our Greatest XV feature and today we look at the middle lock position with with Fabien Pelous, John Eales, Sam Whitelock and Victor Matfield the four nominees on our shortlist.

‘Who’s hot and who’s not’ returns, delving into the main talking points from the past seven days.

Elsewhere, newly re-elected World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont announced plans for a new global tournament.

What’s in the news

The big story in the southern hemisphere is SANZAAR pouring cold water on suggestions that their planned changes for Super Rugby’s format could become permanent after 2020.

Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers have announced that several players as well as the club’s defence coach, Phil Blake, will leave the club at the end of the current season.

What’s on social media

Super Rugby outfit the Bulls celebrate some of their biggest hits in this video.

https://twitter.com/BlueBullsRugby/status/1257273551649939457

What’s on TV

All potential rugby union action has been postponed due to the coronavirus.

France