CAPE TOWN: The British & Irish Lions need more time to prepare for future tours if they are to be successful, coach Warren Gatland said after Saturday’s series defeat to South Africa.
The Lions ended their six week, eight-match tour of South Africa with a narrow 19-16 defeat in the third and decisive test at the Cape Town Stadium and Gatland said he felt the tourists should be given more time to get ready for tough tours in the southern hemisphere.
The Lions next tour Australia in 2025 and then New Zealand in 2029 and will be back in South Africa in 12 years.
“The Lions need to go and talk to the clubs and the unions about having that adequate preparation time to go on tour,” Gatland told reporters.
Gatland had a fortnight of preparation in Jersey with his squad, plus a test against Japan in Edinburgh, before leaving for South Africa. However, some players were not available until the eve of their departure due to club commitments.
“Playing away from home with a lot of…