Leigh Halfpenny and other stars face Lions uncertainty after scheduling clash

The Lions Tour plans have been criticised after schedule clashes with the PRO12, Premiership and Top 14 finals.

The touring team are due to depart before the Premiership and PRO12 finals, with the first match taking place on the same weekend as the Top 14 final in France - a clash which could rule out Toulon's Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny.

Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty has criticised the scheduling of next year's 10-match British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, saying it is "not sustainable" for players.

But McCafferty's main concern is the length of the tour so soon after the gruelling domestic season.

"It is going to be very difficult next year," he said in the Observer.