BRITISH AND IRISH Lions coach Warren Gatland today named a trio of assistants — Rob Howley, Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree — for next year’s tour to Australia.
England forwards specialist Rowntree and backs coach Howley of Wales were part of the 2009 Lions coaching team in South Africa. England’s ex-rugby league star Farrell will tour with the Lions for the first time.
There is no place, at present, for Wales defence specialist Shaun Edwards.
Howley worked as Wales’ interim head coach for their opening autumn Tests against Argentina and Samoa last month, and he will resume that job for this season’s Six Nations tournament while Wales chief Gatland concentrates on the Lions.
Howley (1997 and 2001) and Rowntree (2005) both toured with the Lions as players.
Gatland said: “I am delighted with today’s appointments and confident that Rob, Graham, Andy and myself can come together quickly to face one of the hardest rugby challenges.
“Lions tours are unique as we have to mould together players from four countries in an incredibly short space of time.
“We have no illusion as to the hard work required but we have spoken of the challenges and truly believe that as a coaching team we can provide the players with the support and environment needed for victory in Australia.
“We will also discuss over the coming weeks the requirement for any further technical assistance.”
Lions manager Andy Irvine added: “Today is an exciting day and the next chapter in the 2013 tour story. The selection of the coaching staff is significant, this experienced trio have proven track records and we are delighted to have them on board.
“Importantly I believe we now have in the tour management team, in the areas of coaching, logistics, media, performance analysis and medical, continuity from previous tours, especially 2009.
“This is important as they all understand the challenges that lie ahead and the experience gained in South Africa will be essential as we head to Australia next year.”
Leinster boss Joe Schmidt said he was too busy to even consider a role with the Lions.
Also confirmed was the appointment of Dr James Robson as leader of the tour medical team. Robson has been the Scotland team doctor since 2002 and next summer’s tour will be his sixth with the Lions.
The Lions 2013 tour begins against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1, with the first of three Tests against Australia taking place in Brisbane on June 22.
The Lions have not won a Test series since they toured South Africa in 1997.
