Donal Lenihan's first task as the next manager of the British and Irish Lions will be to recommend a coach as successor to Ian McGeechan. However, with two New Zealanders currently coaching Ireland and Wales, and Clive Woodward seemingly set to move upstairs in Twickenham's greater scheme of things, the supposedly reluctant McGeechan would be the more obvious choice. McGeechan, however has continually stressed that it is time for someone else to have a go, although he has yet to rule himself out. Lenihan will be working with the home unions' committee of Syd Millar (chairman), Fran Cotton, Alan Hosie and Geoff Evans, with the identity of the coach, the full management team and the tour itinerary of Australia their primary concerns.

He admitted that the Lions' coach doesn't necessarily have to be someone currently coaching one of the four home unions' national sides, though he said: "Ideally, he should have some experience of coaching at international level. We'll leave no stone unturned in getting the best man, but at the moment we've had no discussions on the subject." Selected on the Lions tours of 1983 (to New Zealand), 1986 (the tour to South Africa was aborted and instead the Lions played an International Board selection in Cardiff) and 1989, the 52-times capped lock led Ireland on 11 occasions and was involved in the Triple Crown winning sides of 1982 and 1985.

Meanwhile, European Rugby Cup Ltd have rejected Leinster's appeal against their decision merely to fine Stade Francais £5,000 for fielding Samoan winger Brian Lima, who had not been registered in time for their cup game on December 17th.

Leinster won the match 24-23, but missed out on qualifying for the quarter-finals on point-scoring difference.