STEPHEN JONES
Rugby’s most outspoken and inf luential journalist
“It’s not a heav yweight coaching group – but it will grow”
THE BRITISH & Irish Lions tour finally took on some sort of shape last month, rather than being defined by the ghostly outline of possibilities concerning the venue, the timing and, indeed, whether it was going to take place or not.
We are still not completely sure because the uncertainties of the Covid era are manifold and the fact it will most probably proceed without followers is disastrous, but at least fixtures would be fulfilled.
And the added shape was given when Gatland announced his coaching panel for the tour to South Africa. Alongside himself there will be Gregor Townsend (attack), Robin McBryde (forwards/scrum), Neil Jenkins (kicking) and Steve Tandy (defence). Others may be added; you sense that Gatland would still love Andy Farrell to tour, although this would be later in the
