Neil Jenkins appointed British and Irish Lions assistant boss

Neil Jenkins has been appointed assistant manager of the British and Irish Lions for the summer tour of Australia.

The former Wales fly-half, who was part of the coaching set-up for the tour of South Africa in 2009, has admitted his delight at the appointment.

"As a player I was lucky enough to tour Australia with the Lions in 2001, it is a great country and they are one of the top teams in world rugby," he said in a statement.

"Like 1997 it was a terrific series but unfortunately we lost 2-1. I have clear ideas of what I would like to contribute and I cannot wait to get out onto the training pitch and get started."

The squad for the summer tour will be named next Tuesday.