BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | International | Lions chief wants longer tours



By David Walmsley BBC Sport Online

Syd Millar
Millar is the current chairman of the Lions
New International Rugby Board vice-chairman Syd Millar has called for longer Lions tours as a central plank of a revamped international calendar.

The former Lions player, coach and manager believes last year's 10-match tour to Australia was too short to prepare the team for the Test series, which they lost 2-1.

And he also believes the rugby season needs to change to allow the top players to take a pre-Lions rest and the southern hemisphere sides to undertake longer tours.

Millar in mood for change

Millar told BBC Sport Online: "We need to increase the number of matches the Lions play.

"It takes a Lions tour six to eight matches to identify a Test side, and a 12 or 13-game tour would allow that."

Millar, the current Lions chairman, added that the internal divisions that bedevilled Graham Henry's squad were a consequence of having too few games and too many players.

He said: "Having guys getting bored through not playing any rugby is not good for morale.

We have to schedule the leagues to ensure that Lions players have a proper pre-tour rest

Syd Millar

"You must give people the chance to challenge for a Test place."

Millar also backed South Africa, New Zealand and Australia's recent proposal that they undertake longer European tours in future.

The former Ireland prop believes a return to the old Grand Slam tours, taking in all four home unions, would generate increased interest and income for the game here.

And he also favours changes to the season to accommodate longer tours and give Lions expeditions a greater chance of success.

Mitchell calls for fixture harmony

"The reason why the last Lions did not beat Australia in the Test series was to my mind to do with fatigue and injury," he said.

"In future Lions years, we have to schedule the home leagues to ensure that these guys have a proper chance to rest."

And he added: "As the game evolves, we might find that we can grow the seasons together so that these things are possible."


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