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Rugby Union

Davies given Lions role

20/11/2007

Wales rugby union legend Gerald Davies has been appointed as tour manager of the British and Irish Lions for the 2009 trip to South Africa.

The 62-year-old will take on the role in two years time when a squad made up of representative players from the four home nations' federations travels to the southern hemisphere.

Davies is himself a veteran of two Lions tours in 1968 and 1971, the first of which was in South Africa. He also travelled to New Zealand on the second tour.

And the former Cardiff Blues and London Welsh winger said he is "extraordinarily privileged" to have been offered the position.

"I'm thankful for all the support given to me by the Lions committee and home unions," he said.

"I hope I can fulfil the task put upon me. I'm determined it will be a hugely successful tour.

"Lions tours are unforgettable experiences. This is a great privilege bestowed upon me and I hope I can do a suitable job."

A decision on the coach for the tour, which takes place in June and July 2009, will be made after the 2008 Six Nations tournament.

However Lions chief executive John Feehan has denied that the selection will be limited to those coaches who are currently in charge of the four home nations during the upcoming tournament.

"The selection of the coach won't be until after the Six Nations," Feehan said.

"We will make the appointment then because it gives candidates the chance to show what they can do between now and then.

"The Lions committee will decide who coaches the tour."