BRITISH & IRISH LIONS

Gerald Davies to manage Lions

November 20 2007

Wales legend Gerald Davies has been appointed manager for the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

Meanwhile, former Scotland international Andy Irvine, a three-times tourist with the Lions, has been appointed chairman of the Lions board and succeeds Bill Beaumont who stood down due to his International Rugby Board (IRB) commitments.

Davies, a star of the Lions tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971 and now a journalist with The Times, said he was honoured to lead the party against the newly crowned world champions.

"I'm extraordinarily privileged to be named tour manager," he said.

"I'm thankful for all the support given to me by the Lions committee and home unions.

"I hope I can fulfil the task put upon me. I'm determined it will be a hugely successful tour.

"Lions tours are unforgettable experiences. This is a great privilege bestowed upon me and I hope I can do a suitable job."

The Lions committee will decide upon the coach for the tour to South Africa after next year's Six Nations championship, but Lions chief executive John Feehan stressed that the successful candidate would not necessarily be one of the current coaches of the four home unions.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has long been the favourite to coach the class of 2009, and he has a clause in his new contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union allowing him to take the job, but the country's poor showing in the World Cup has led to speculation about his future.

"The selection of the coach won't be until after the Six Nations," said Feehan.

"We will make the appointment then because it gives candidates the chance to show what they can do between now and then.

"The Lions committee will decide who coaches the tour."

Meanwhile, HSBC has been unveiled as the principal sponsors of the Lions tour to South Africa after the bank signed a deal worth £4m ($8.2m).