The Lions are destined to suffer further fixture cuts in the face of pressure from leading English clubs — with future tours likely to be reduced to eight matches, from the current 10.

Sportsmail understands that a new, condensed tour format is on the agenda as part of the ongoing 'global season' overhaul.

Sources have indicated that the Lions committee will not be able to withstand the raid on their window in the rugby calendar.

The Lions are set to suffer more fixture cuts in the face of pressure from leading English clubs

The length of the Lions tour will be affected by the ongoing 'global season' overhaul

At the start of this season, chief executive John Feehan was adamant that the Lions would not accept the loss of any tour games, but he has since revised his position.

'Compromise has to be part of the deal,' Feehan told Sportsmail. 'There may be some adjusting — timing, the number of games — but the key point is that all of the unions recognise the importance of the Lions.'

Back in September, Feehan had been more resolute, saying: 'It's going to be very difficult to reduce the number of games. We definitely need to ensure that we have at least the levels of games we have at the moment.'

The only successful Lions tour of New Zealand to date, back in 1971, featured a total of 26 matches. By 1993, the fixture list had been reduced to 13, in 2005 it was 11 and this year, Warren Gatland's squad will contest 10 games.

The Lions tour has gradually been reduced over the years from 13 to 11 to 10 this summer

John Feehan does not believe the condensed format will take gloss away from the tour

If, as expected, an eight-game format is approved, there are fears among senior Lions figures that it will also lead to a condensing of the time-frame to prepare for Test series — furthering hampering attempts to beat the southern elite.

This year, the touring party will arrive in Auckland just three days before the opening fixture.

The option of sending out an advance contingent of players and coaches — not involved in domestic finals — to prepare the previous week, was ruled out on the grounds that the whole squad are required to attend a sponsors' send-off dinner on the eve of departure.

Meanwhile, English clubs are also leading calls for the RBS Six Nations to be condensed from the current seven-week window into a five-week block.

Sportsmail understands that the likely outcome is a compromise, six-week format, the tournament running for three weeks before a week off, then a final, two-week section.