Heading to Hong Kong: Dai Young toured with the British & Irish Lions in 1989, 1997 and 2001

LONDON WASPS head coach Dai Young will lead the Barbarians in their historic match against the British & Irish Lions next summer, in the first match of the Lions 2013 tour at Hong Kong Stadium.

Young went on three Lions tours in 1989, 1997 and 2001, making him the only player to have ever represented the Lions across three decades. The prop won over 50 caps for Wales during his playing career and after eight years coaching with the Cardiff Blues joined London Wasps in 2011, narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day of the season.

Young worked with the Barbarians in 2011, leading them to victory over both England and Wales. He will take charge for the whole of the Barbarians summer tour, which begins by facing England at Twickenham on 26 May.

“I have been privileged to coach the Barbarians on three previous summer tours in recent years but never mind how many times I am invited it is always an honour and one that I cherish.

“It is also a big responsibility to uphold the traditions of the Barbarians and to get the best out of the fantastic group of players they invariably assemble for these matches.

“This will be even more so next summer. The annual game against England is a big enough occasion it itself but to play the Lions on the first match of their own major tour is really a case of the icing on the cake. It promises to be a tremendous tour and all those of us involved will be committed to making it a big success.”