British and Irish Lions managing director Ben Calveley will continue an "open dialogue" with Premiership Rugby over the possible release of players for the friendly against Japan at Murrayfield next summer.
On Wednesday morning, it was announced the Lions will play Japan at Murrayfield a curtain-raiser Test match ahead of the 2021 series against the Springboks.
The confirmed June 26 date is the same day as next season's Gallagher Premiership final, but will be scheduled at a different kick-off time, and is a week before the Lions' tour opener in Cape Town.
"It is the absolute pinnacle for the players and the fans love it more than any other sporting property in the UK and Ireland.
"The game absolutely understands too that it benefits from Lions tours, given that the Lions has the ability to attract the casual fan, not just the hardcore fan, in a way that certain other rugby properties aren't able to.
"I actually feel as though the Lions is on the up. The game understands that it needs to protect these blockbuster events."
Calveley maintains a positive outlook that fans will be in the sold-out South African stadiums next summer, with the ticket-only ballot "oversubscribed incredibly heavily".
He said: "All of the numbers suggest that not only is the interest there, but people are intending to travel in their droves.
"There is real determination within the South African authorities, public and rugby, to make sure that the tour can go ahead."
