A packed room of journalists saw Ian McGeechan announce his key management team for the 2009 tour to South Africa, with the amount of interest in the event a clear indication as to the esteem in which the Lions is still held.

Here's a brief selection of what they said…

Gareth Edwards - Daily Telegraph:

"A good start. The right mix of the right men in the right jobs.

"The coaches' street cred and ability make them natural choices to be in McGeechan's team."

David Hands - The Times:

"Ian McGeechan… the archetypal Lion will seek to go out on the highest note…to leave as his legacy that a lions tour must be the height of any player's ambition.

"The Scot will give himself the best start by having alongside him individuals with whom he has already formed a considerable bond through London Wasps, five of whom also toured South Africa with Wales this summer."

Paul Rees - The Guardian:

"He (McGeechan) will be accompanied by five of the Wales management team who have worked with the Guinness Premiership champions. The team doctor, James Robson, is the exception."



The Lions announced their key management team on Wednesday

Mick Cleary - Daily telegraph:

"McGeechan is right. McGeechan, who was successful in South Africa in 1997, has gone back to that tempate. He wants a compact and directed tour.

Chris Hewett - The Independent:

"A British & Irish Lions tour of anywhere - let alone South Africa - may represent the great snow-encrusted peak on rugby's magic mountain.

"Mc will announce a 'contenders' squad of around 65 in January before deciding on the tour group which will number between 35 and 37 - significantly fewer than the bloated party whitewashed by New Zealand in 2005."

Peter Jackson - Daily Mail:

"The lions are on course for a record profit from next year's South African safari. As proof in these recessionary times that there is no business like Lions business, the tour wil leave each of the four home unions counting a seven-figure dividend.

"It is no accident that the stream-lined coaching team all hired from wales carries a collective 'made-at-Wasps' stamp."

Steve Bale - Daily Express:

"This is a formidable and tight lions group.

"He (McGeechan) will unite not divide. His personal history and those of Gatland, Edwards and Howley usefully cover all the Home Unions, not to mention New Zealand."