British and Irish Lions

De Villiers led South Africa to a 2-1 series victory over the Lions earlier this month but has also made headlines for his post-match comments following the suspensions of Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha.

Burger was banned for eight weeks for making contact with the eye area of Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald during the second international in Pretoria, while Botha faced a two-week suspension for illegal rucking in the same fixture.

De Villiers, who took over from Jake White as Springbok coach in January 2008, was forced to explain his comments surrounding Burger's suspension after he appeared to partially condone his flanker's actions by suggesting that it was part of the modern-day game.

He has since received further criticism for the way in which he spoke about Botha's suspension and the manner in which his side protested by wearing 'justice' armbands in the third Test in support of their absent second row.

"They appointed him as a coach and not as a spokesperson," South African sports minister Makhenkesi Stofile was reported as saying by Sport 24 earlier today.

"Now he is being left to the mercy of the media.

"(He is a) nice young man but he likes to talk. It could mean that he is not judged on his achievements on the rugby field but on his achievements with his mouth."

British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton says he's been struck by the level of professionalism and dedication within the squad as they prepare to head to Hong Kong and Australia.

Alex Cuthbert admits the prospect of touring with The British & Irish Lions seemed like a distant dream when the squad were preparing for their most recent adventure four years ago.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.