Jenkins was caretaker assistant coach on Wales' summer tour

Legendary Wales goal-kicker Neil Jenkins has been made kicking coach to the Lions in South Africa.

As revealed by BBC Sport Wales Jenkins will join the Lions following his return from Wales' tour USA and Canada.

"It is a great honour to be part of a Lions tour and I am delighted and grateful to have been offered this fantastic opportunity," said Jenkins.

"South Africa is a great rugby nation so the challenges ahead are huge but I am determined to give my all."

Added Jenkins: "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."

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Neil Jenkins' appointment

The Lions agreed to delay Jenkins' appointment until Wales' tour was over.

"We found out that Neil is going to be in South Africa during the latter stages of the tour," explained Lions' manager Gerald Davies.

"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 inclusion of Jenkins 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."

Jenkins kicked 1090 points during his Test career, including 41 for the Lions that helped the tourists defeat the Springboks under Ian McGeechan in 1997.

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