British and Irish Lions

Gatland will take up the post immediately to commence detailed tour planning in association with Tour Manager, Andy Irvine, and senior tour management personnel.

Commenting on Hong Kong, Gatland said "It is unusual that such a game will take place en-route to the main tour destination, but the Hong Kong game will be a very important match for us and will be treated as the first match of the 10-match tour. Renowned for its love of rugby and fan base, I believe Hong Kong to be the perfect place to kick start the enthusiasm and atmosphere that we aim to build throughout the tour and will allow to squad to get a taste of things to come!"

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

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.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.