Lions Tour:Former British and Irish Lions and Wales outhalf Neil Jenkins has been called upon to join the touring party in South Africa to offer some expertise on kicking duties.
Jenkins is currently travelling with the Wales’ squad on their North American tour but will join up with the Lions as kicking coach later this week.
"We found out that Neil is going to be in South Africa during the latter stages of the tour,” said Gerald Davies, Lions Tour Manager. “Therefore, the coaching staff thought it would be a good idea to ask him to become involved with the squad as kicking coach when he was here. He is Wales' kicking coach and the former world record points holder."
Lions head coach Ian McGeechan was glad to be able to call on someone with the experience and expertise of Jenkins. "We did not appoint a kicking coach initially as Rob Howley and Shaun Edwards have experience in this area and have adequately taken responsibility for looking after the kickers,” said McGeechan.
“However, when someone of Neil's ability is available and on hand it would be foolish not to take advantage of it.
"If anyone knows about what is required in terms of general kicking and goal kicking in South Africa it is Neil. It was his all round kicking game that helped the Lions to victory in the 1997 Test series out here against the then World Champions.”
Jenkins was only to glad to accept the offer: "It is a great honour to be part of a British and Irish Lions tour and I am delighted and grateful to have been offered this fantastic opportunity. I am extremely lucky in that I have just completed a great tour of Canada and the USA with Wales so I am now free to devote all my attention to the Lions.
"I have clear ideas of what I would like to contribute and I know so many of the players, coaches and back up team that I will be able to get out onto the training pitch and get started as soon as I arrive.
"South Africa is a great rugby nation so the challenges ahead are huge but I am determined to give my all to the Lions cause,” added Jenkins.
Jenkins is due to meet up with the Lions squad in Cape Town on Thursday.
