British and Irish Lions

The British & Irish Lions have announced the appointment of Andy Irvine as Chairman of the Lions Board. Irvine will succeed Bill Beaumont, who has stood down due to his commitments as IRB Vice Chairman.

Beaumont, who had chaired the Lions Board since April 2003 and managed the 2005 Tour to New Zealand, thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Lions and regretted having to resign his Lions' Chairmanship.

Irvine is a former President of the Scottish Rugby Union and a former Scottish International. As full back for Scotland, he won 51 caps, 1972-82. He also played for the Lions against South Africa (1974), New Zealand (1977) and South Africa (1980).

Following a meeting of the Board, Gerald Davies was appointed as Tour Manager for the 2009 Lions Tour to South Africa. Davies, one of the legends of Welsh rugby, toured with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa (1968) and New Zealand (1971).

The Brumbies pair of Ben Mowen and Christian Leali'ifano will get the chance to follow in the footsteps of their team mates by beating the British & Irish Lions when they make their Qantas Wallaby Test debuts against the tourists in Brisbane on Saturday.

Rob Howley says having George North available for selection is a major plus for the British & Irish Lions as they go in search of the tries he believes will be needed to beat the Qantas Wallabies this Saturday.