Gerald Davies has been appointed manager for the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, Lions management said today.

Davies, a Lion in 1968 and 1971, will lead the party against the newly crowned world champions.
   
Former Scotland international Andy Irvine, a three-times tourist with the Lions, has been appointed chairman of the Lions board and succeeds Bill Beaumont who stood down due to his international rugby board commitments.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan remains one of the candidates for head coach for the tour to South Africa.