Ieuan Evans named chair of British and Irish Lions board

He played in seven Lions Tests across three tours – Australia (1989), New Zealand (1993) and South Africa (1997) – and won 72 Wales caps, scoring a then Welsh record 33 tries, breaking a mark set by Gareth Edwards.

Evans also skippered Wales to the Five Nations Championship title in 1994, with only defeat in Twickenham denying him a Grand Slam.

“Having toured with the Lions at the peak of my international career, it is an honour to be appointed chairman of the British and Irish Lions board,” Evans said.

“Lions tours are unique in the world of sport, both in terms of the ultimate challenge they represent and the cultural impact they have.”

Ieuan Evans with the Five Nations trophy won by Wales in 1994 (PA)

Lions managing director Ben Calveley added: “I have no doubt Ieuan will lead the board in our mission to deliver rugby with purpose to players, fans, the game and communities we visit.

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“I would also like to thank and pay tribute to Jason Leonard for his commitment and excellent term since being appointed in 2019.”

The Lions’ next tour is to Australia in 2025.

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