Lions Recruit Jenkins As Kicking Coach

British & Irish Lions tour manager Gerald Davies and head coach Ian McGeechan have announced that former Wales and Lions full-back-cum-out-half Neil Jenkins will join the Lions tour squad following the conclusion of Wales’ north American tour. He will join the squad as kicking coach.

Gerald Davies said: “We found out that Neil Jenkins is going to be in South Africa during the latter stages of the tour.

“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.”

Commenting on the recruitment of Jenkins into the tour management, Lions head coach Ian McGeechan said: “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.

“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,” he added.

Jenkins himself said: “It is a great honour to be part of a British & Irish Lions tour and I am delighted and grateful to have been offered this fantastic opportunity.

“I’m 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.”

It is anticipated that Jenkins will arrive in South Africa on Thursday (June 11) and will meet up with the squad in Cape Town.