If South Africa were to join the Six Nations, such a move could potentially spark a bidding war to host the British & Irish Lions tour in 2033. The list of possible candidates to play host include the US, Argentina, and Japan.
The Lions are scheduled to travel to Australia in 2025, but no further agreements have been signed for future events after their tour deal came top and end following their New Zealand drawn series in 2017.
For now, the All Blacks still seem likely to host the Lions in 2029. However, with the Springboks looking likely to join the Six Nations after 2025, the tour destination in 2033 is looking a lot less certain.
The evolving dynamics of international rugby tours have captured the attention of sports betting NZ enthusiasts, who are keen to place bets on potential outcomes and host countries.
According to Lions’ managing director Ben Calveley, all future deals will be handled on a tour-by-tour basis. He said since no long-term commitment had been made to any particular country, any future deal will depend on whatever conditions happen to apply on the end of the Lions.
Calveley also said the Lions weren’t interested in deviating from the current model of rotating the tour between South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Even so, he said the prospect of South Africa joining the Six Nations now makes of the country a “less attractive” option.
For the US, who are the current frontrunners to host the 2031 World Cup, hosting the Lions tour would be a big step in their progression in world rugby.
The Lions have never before used a bidding process but now appear more open to the idea, potentially impacting rugby betting markets as fans speculate on future tour locations and matchups.
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More About Gary Hicks
When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.
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