11 June 2021
The British & Irish Lions squad arrive in Jersey this Sunday (13 June) to begin a training camp ahead of the 2021 tour to South Africa.
The primary focus of the camp is preparation for the tour but, while in Jersey, the Lions will:
- hold Q&A sessions with pupils from 11 schools
- hold two open training sessions, each in front of 1,200 spectators
- be interviewed at a fund-raising dinner which will raise funds to help Jersey young people get involved in sport
- be helping to promote Jersey as a visitor destination and a location where other elite athletes can train
During down-time, the squad will have the chance to experience the best of Jersey as a visitor destination, while also ensuring that COVID transmission risk is minimised.
The Economy Department Acting Director General, Richard Corrigan, said: "I know that The British & Irish Lions will receive a very warm welcome to Jersey, and they can look forward to a safe and enjoyable stay. We have a shared interest in ensuring this is a COVID-safe visit so the touring party will form their own COVID-safe bubble to protect themselves, Islanders and other visitors.
"Covid protocols will be in place for all the players and coaches, even during downtime when they are out enjoying the Island's natural beauty, and I ask all Islanders to respect that. Whilst the Government of Jersey public health protocols have been relaxed over time, the Lions have not. We have arranged as many safe, controlled and risk-assessed opportunities as possible and whilst the temptation of a selfie or autograph is high, we would ask islanders to respect the bubble arrangement and, maintain physical distancing at all times."
gov.je