British And Irish Lions Coming To Jersey

Friday, 16 April 2021 15:34

Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland says he's confident that Jersey has the facilities and support that the squad needs.

It has been confirmed that the British and Irish Lions will be coming to Jersey this summer for a pre-tour training camp.

They will come here for ten days ahead of their match against Japan at Murrayfield on 26 June.

The team will train at the rugby club.

Jersey is moving to the final stage of the roadmap to recovery on 14 June, so the squad should be allowed to mix with islanders during their time in the island.

Head Coach Warren Gatland came to Jersey on Wednesday to discuss travel and accommodation.

"This visit has confirmed that Jersey can provide the facilities and support that we need. I will be bringing the coaching and management team back to the Island later this month to finalise plans and I’m confident that, when the squad arrives in June, we will have the environment we need to prepare to meet the Springboks."

“This visit has confirmed that Jersey can provide the facilities and support that we need.”

Jersey is to host a training camp for the #LionsRugby squad ahead of their 2021 tour to South Africa.

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— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) April 16, 2021

Managing Director Ben Strive says welcoming the Lions is a 'tremendous coup'.

The squad will be touring South Africa in July.

"When the touring party arrives, Jersey will be in the international spotlight, which will bring significant benefits to the Island’s profile as a safe and vibrant visitor destination, not only for rugby supporters but also for other sporting fans and organisations.

"Our aim is that Jersey continues to develop as a safe and accessible location for global sporting events where athletes can train and compete with the very best facilities in a beautiful island environment." - Senator Lyndon Farnham, Economic Development Minister.

Guernsey was also considered as a pre-tour camp location, but that option was quashed following criticism of the circumstances surrounding Gatland's visit to the island earlier this year.