Sir Clive Woodward has unveiled the largest coaching and management team in British and Irish Lions' history for the tour to New Zealand in June. The group of 26 includes Woodward's England successor Andy Robinson and Ian McGeechan, the most successful Lions coach of all time.
"We have got the right group behind the team - that's one of the key factors in ensuring the Lions win," said Woodward.
"It is about creating the right blend and a support structure."
Graham Henry, Woodward's predecessor, had a backroom staff of just 10 when he took the Lions to Australia in 2001.
But Woodward is notorious for his attention to detail and has called on 12 of the team who helped England to World Cup glory last year.
They include chef Dave Campbell, lawyer Richard Smith and former Irish international referee David McHugh, who will offer specialist advice on the laws of the game.
An impressive coaching line-up is completed by the likes of Ireland's Eddie O'Sullivan, Llanelli Scarlets' supremo Gareth Jenkins, plus defence gurus Phil Larder and Mike Ford.
Robinson, O'Sullivan and Larder will have responsibility for the weekend Lions team, with McGeechan, Jenkins and former Great Britain rugby league international Ford looking after the midweek team.
The tour to New Zealand offers McGeechan the chance of a memorable clean sweep.
The former Scotland coach led the Lions to victories in Australia in 1989 and South Africa in 1997.
"The Lions are unique and it is a great honour to be involved again," said McGeechan.
"A Lions tour of New Zealand is huge. It will be the biggest rugby event to happen next year and it's important that Scottish Rugby is involved.
"I face a challenging year but I look forward to working with the rugby community to build success at all levels."
British and Irish Lions management team:
Sir Clive Woodward (head coach), Bill Beaumont (tour manager), Andy Robinson (coach), Eddie O'Sullivan (coach), Phil Larder (coach), Ian McGeechan (coach), Gareth Jenkins (coach), Mike Ford (coach), John Feehan (chief executive), Louise Ramsay (team manager), Dave Alred (specialist coach), Dave Reddin (fitness coach), Craig White (fitness coach), Tony Biscombe (video analyst), Gavin Scott (video analyst), James Robson (head doctor), Gary O'Driscoll (doctor), Phil Pask (physiotherapist), Bob Stewart (physiotherapist/masseur), Stuart Barton (physiotherapist/masseur), Richard Wegrzyk (masseur), Dave Campbell (chef), Dave Tennison (kit technician), Louisa Cheetham (media liaison), David McHugh (specialist advisor), Richard Smith (legal support).
MMIX
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This is a fine selection of coaching staff and shows that Woodward is going to prepare the Lions as he did England for the RWC
