British and Irish Lions

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has turned to a member of Saracens' coaching staff to help them with their kicking game ahead of this summer's Tests against the British & Irish Lions.

Former Aussie Rules star Mick Byrne has been appointed as a kicking and catching coach after holding similar roles with Australia when they won the World Cup in 1999, South Africa in 2001-2002 and Scotland from 2002 until this year.

The 46-year-old Australian will join New Zealand Rugby Union's coaching team once Saracens' post-season involvement in the English Zurich Premiership is over. He joined the club last year.

NZRU high performance manager Mike Chu said: "Mick Byrne is a vastly experienced coach with an impeccable track record.

"He is the latest addition to the team of specialist coaches and sports science experts who are tasked with honing specific skills or key areas.

"We want to ensure the All Blacks and the elite players coming through have everything they need to perform at their best."

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.