LEGENDARY IRISH BAG man Patrick “Rala” O’Reilly has been handed a Lions recall for next year’s Tour of Australia.
Although the playing squad won’t be announced until next year, head coach Warren Gatland confirmed the core of his management team this morning including the first two Irish names on the plane.
One of the best-loved figures in Irish rugby, Rala was named as baggage master alongside Ger Carmody, who will work as the team’s logistics officer.
Rala, who has been involved with the Irish national team for more than 15 years, made his Lions debut as baggage master in South Africa in 2009.
It is a first Lions tour for Carmody who has been Ireland’s team manager and team services manager for the past seven years.
Ireland back-row Jamie Heaslip, one of the candidates to captain the Lions in Australia, tweeted his congratulations.
“Congrats to @justrala on his selection as baggage master for 2013 @lionsofficial tour!!! what an honour for such an amazing individual!”
At the top of the ticket Rob Howley, Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree were named this morning as Gatland’s three assistant coaches.
