16,500 Fans to Watch British & Irish Lions Play Japan at Murrayfield in June

A crowd of 16,500 people will get to watch the Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup match between the British & Irish Lions and Japan at BT Murrayfield Stadium in Scotland on Saturday, 26 June 2021.

The curtain-raiser to the 2021 Castle Lager Lions Series in South Africa will host the partial capacity crowd following consultation with the Scottish Government and the application of agreed social distancing criteria to ensure fans can attend safely.

The match will be the first time supporters will be able to attend the home of Scottish Rugby to watch an international match since March 2020.

Other public health agencies, emergency services and transport providers are collaborating to stage the landmark event.

“It will be brilliant to see a passionate crowd back at Murrayfield for what promises to be a superb game of rugby before we embark on the Tour to South Africa,” said Ben Calveley, Managing Director of The British & Irish Lions. “I am sure it will give the entire touring party an enormous boost to play this fixture in front of Lions fans. We are very grateful to the Scottish Government for its commitment and support to ensure this fixture would be seen by a live audience.”

The game against the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists will be shown live and exclusively on Channel 4 and broadcast on talkSPORT. Kick off is at 15:00.

Professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director, said, “While all those in the stadium should of course enjoy the game, they should do so safely – the virus is still out there. Free, fast and regular testing for people who do not have COVID19 symptoms is available to everyone in Scotland – please take up that offer and do not attend if the result is positive or you have any symptoms whatsoever. Stick to your allocated arrival and departure time, follow physical distancing rules and wear a mask at all times, other than when you’re eating or drinking. By following these rules, you will help us beat this virus and ensure many more people can enjoy the thrill of live events in future.”

Owing to the reduced capacity following the application of agreed social distancing measures within the stadium, a number of ticketholders will, unfortunately, not be permitted to attend and will be refunded.

Tickets will be allocated in line with government advice and the ticketing terms and conditions. All ticket holders will be contacted by Friday, 28 May to advise if they have been successful in gaining access to the event.

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