Lions Tour

The 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa was an international rugby union tour that took place in South Africa in July and August 2021. The British & Irish Lions, a team selected from players eligible to represent England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales, played a three-match test series against South Africa, and tour matches against three of South Africa's four United Rugby Championship teams and South Africa A.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the tour, leading to numerous schedule changes and the matches in South Africa taking place without fans present. Before leaving for South Africa, the Lions beat Japan in a warm-up match at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. They won all of their matches against the South African franchises, but lost to South Africa A.

South Africa won the test series by two matches to one. The Lions won the first test 22–17 on 24 July, but South Africa won the second test 27–9 a week later before winning the third test 19–16 with a late penalty on 7 August.

Warren Gatland was the Lions' head coach, making him only the second coach to lead the team on three consecutive tours. Alun Wyn Jones of Wales was the Lions' tour captain, but was injured in the home match against Japan on 26 June; he initially withdrew from the squad before returning three weeks later. Ireland's Conor Murray took over as captain during Jones' absence.

The Lions Tour is a prestigious and historic rugby union series held every few years, featuring the British & Irish Lions—a team composed of the best players from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. This highly anticipated tournament typically takes place over several weeks, during which the Lions tour a southern hemisphere nation, most commonly Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. The tour includes a series of matches against local provincial and regional teams, culminating in a three-test series against the host country's national team. Renowned for its intense competition, rich tradition, and passionate fan engagement, the Lions Tour is considered one of the most celebrated events in international rugby, showcasing top-tier talent and fostering camaraderie among the four nations of the British Isles.