British and Irish Lions

Gafney, who will also be involved with Leinster this season, will take up the role of backs coach with the national squad.

Kidney has also added kicking coach Mark Tainton to his staff as he attempts to help Ireland bounce back from disappointing World Cup and Six Nations campaigns.

"Alan brings with him experience of both international and most importantly Irish rugby," said ex-Munster coach Kidney.

"Mark is recognised as one of the top kicking coaches in the world and his experience of working with the squad in the past will help with the transition over the next number of weeks.

"We are delighted to have them both on board as both are extremely technical coaches in their areas. They will bring a further positive mix to the coaching team."

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.

British & Irish Lions hookers Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs will fight out their own private duel in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday and then become team mates for the next six weeks a day later.