Wales legend handed Lions role

Updated 12.20 Tue Nov 20 2007

Keywords: Austria, Euro 2008, Steve McClaren, England, Michael Owen, Premier League, FA, Newcastle United, football, sport

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

Davies, who played in two Lions tours in South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, said: "I'm extraordinarily privileged to be named tour manager.

The Lions committee will decide upon the coach for the tour to South Africa after next year's RBS Six Nations Championship

"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 RBS Six Nations Championship.

But Lions chief executive John Feehan has revealed that the candidate would not have to be drawn from the current coaches of the four home unions.