Rugby: Chief executive John Feehan declares future tours to be 'bigger, better'

It's all down to a decider in the last test with the All Black having to recall and reshuffle due to injury and THAT red card

The future of the Lions has been declared safe by chief executive John Feehan following last Saturday's triumph over the All Blacks.

Time constraints and demands for more money from clubs have threatened the Lions concept, but Feehan yesterday insisted that tours are only going to get "bigger and better".

South Africa will host the Lions in 2021 and, while there is pressure to reduce the itinerary to five weeks, the powerbrokers are confident of negotiating a deal with their stakeholders.

"Every business has risks, threats and opportunities and the Lions are no different," Feehan said. "More people support the Lions than at any other point in history and I see a vibrant future as there are few things that compare to them."

Feehan said there were no plans to move away from the traditional four-year touring cycle of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

"We have a model in place that works," he said. "Lions tours are going to remain largely in the same structure. We believe in evolution over revolution."

Meanwhile, Sir Graham Henry believes the Lions should consider playing test matches at home.

Henry coached the Lions on their 2001 tour of Australia before leading the All Blacks for seven years, culminating in World Cup glory in 2011.

And with the Lions having squared the current three-match series with the All Blacks ahead of Saturday's decider in Auckland, Henry feels the idea of playing tests in the British Isles should be explored.

"I wonder about having Lions tests at home back in the British Isles," Henry told BBC Radio.

"Ask the players and fans - that's what the game is about. I'm sure they would all be very positive about the Lions brand continuing and maybe expanding in the future."