Aussie links up with the Lions

Wales assistant coach Scott Johnson will take an observational role on the Lions tour, becoming the 28th member of the manangement party.

The position was originally offered to Mike Ruddock, but the Wales head coach has decided to stay with the Welsh under-21 side at the world championships in Argentina.

Johnson, an Australian, was recruited by then-Wales coach and All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen.

Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward said he was impressed by Johnson during Wales' successful Six Nations campaign.

"He is a terrific coach and he is also someone who understands the game in the Southern Hemisphere," Woodward said.

Johnson was looking forward to seeing the Welsh players working in a different environment.

"To see them grow and develop under a different set of people will be of great benefit to myself and the Welsh players and management," he said.

"If there's anything I can give to the tour management team by way of knowledge of Southern Hemisphere rugby and of the New Zealand coaches, I will, of course, be forthcoming."

Johnson, however, may have some grovelling to do when he arrives in New Zealand after he described the country as a "poxy island in the Pacific" before Wales' clash with the All Blacks last November.

Johnson's remark was made in jest, but was reported around the world, and he decided to issue an apology in his own inimitable style - saying he meant two islands.


- NZPA