A FORMER England captain, Fran Cotton, has been named as manager of the Lions team to tour South Africa next year. Cotton got the nod from the four home unions over another Lancastrian and former captain, Bill Beaumont.

He went on three international tours of South Africa during a career that earned him 31 England caps as a prop between 1971-1981.

Cotton (48), toured there with England in 1972 but was not in the Test team. He was in the Lions scrum against the Springboks when the series was won 3-0.

He returned to South Africa with the Lions in 1980 under Beaumont's captaincy but a heart tissue infection led to him leaving the tour before the first Test. Cotton was also a Lion in New Zealand in 1977.

Cotton, and the four home union officials will nominate a couple of coaches before the start of next season for a Tour that includes 13 matches, starting on May 24th and three Tests.

Cotton expressed his "delight and privilege" at being named Lions manager. "It is an honour for me personally and for the northern division," he said.

In the pro era the Lions will be paid and Cotton, who has far greater power than previous Lions managers, insisted. "The players package will be equal, whatever their status on tour or how many caps they have got for their countries before we go."

The 30 players plus a handful of officials could earn up, to £10,000 for the seven week trip.

Cotton heat his old England grand slam colleague Beaumont and former Scottish scrum half Duncan Paterson for the job.

"I have been to South Africa four times as a player and once as manager of the North," said Cotton.

Playing for the unbeaten Lions in 1974 remains a career highlight, but it will be exceptionally tough next year competing against the world champions on their own pitches.

Cotton will go to South Africa with Beaumont's blessing despite losing out on the job.

"Obviously I am disappointed but Fran Cotton is an excellent choice and he has my full support he said. "I wish him much success on what will be a very hard tour. I was a reluctant candidate initially due to business and family pressure.

. Wales tumbled to the fourth straight defeat of their Australian Tour at Ballymore, Brisbane, yesterday when they were beaten 51-41 by Australia B.

Again the tourists were caught cold as the Wallabies scorched into a 24 point lead in as many minutes to leave Wales with much to do.

In the end the Welsh did six tries but the Australian sec string managed nine as the tourists were well and truly beaten by the sheer pace and physical power of the home team.

. London Scottish centre Ron Erikkson will win his first senior Scotland cap on Saturday in the first Test against New Zealand at Dunedin.

The 16 stone centre comes into the Scottish side following injuries to both specialist outside centres Scott Hastings and Graham Shiel who picked up knee wounds against the South Islands on Tuesday.

Scottish coach, David Johnston, said. "The back division we have picked should pose a serious threat to New Zealand."

Erikkson (24), will play alongside the strong tackling Ian Jardine in the centre combination that would appear to be selected for defensive qualities rather than out and out running capabilities.

Recalled to the Scot's back line are wing Ken Logan and scrum half Gary Armstrong.