The Lions rugby tour in July will inject a welcome R6,6 billion into the South African economy and plans are already under way to gain approval for some form of crowd attendance at the matches.
The itinerary includes three test matches, and the tour is currently scheduled to launch with a match against the Stormers in Cape Town on 3 July – the same day that the Vodacom Durban July will be held behind closed doors 1700km up the coast at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
“South Africa have confirmed they can host a tour. They’re confident of delivering it in the environment we need it to be in, based on medical and scientific requirements,” British and Irish Lions Chairman Jason Leonard said.
While SA Rugby President Mark Alexander has reportedly pleaded with Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa to allow 50% spectator attendance at matches, it is also possible that the matches could take place behind closed doors.
But visiting Chairman Leonard has not given up hope on a travelling contingent being present.
“We’re hoping that there will be crowds, but we don’t know what that will be like,” he added.
Gold Circle recently announced that the 125th renewal of the Vodacom Durban July, programmed for the same day as the start of the Lions tour, will once again be held ‘behind closed doors’ with no public sale of tickets
“We are fortunate to be able to call on our experience of staging one of the first major ‘behind closed doors’ events last year and to have a title sponsor in Vodacom, with whom we are celebrating our 20th year, to partner with us through these challenging times.” said Steve Marshall, Events and Marketing Executive of Gold Circle.
Vodacom Durban July – should we try and bring some of the crowds back? (Pic -Candiese Lenferna)
Saturday’s extraordinary raceday at Turffontein has thrown serious contenders into the July mix, with an ante-post betting shuffle showing HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes winner Got The Greenlight installed joint favourite with newly crowned SA Triple Crown king, Malmoos.
The race promises to be the most competitive in years and is set to be a vintage renewal.
While our experiences during the highly charged lockdown debate last year taught us that horseracing does not fall under the Sport umbrella, but under the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, it could be time for representations to be made to have some form of crowd at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the big day.
