Despite some negative comments Lions head Coach Sir Clive Woodward has announced a 26 strong tour staff which appear as follows. We have not covered each person in detail but wish to congratulate everyone of them on their appointments and wish them the very best towards what will hopefully be a succesful British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand. Oh if you see your name and want to give some more detail E mail us and we'll add it after verification.

Head Coach - Sir Clive Woodward
England

A former England and British Lion International Sir Clive Woodward has been confirmed as head coach of the forhtcoming tour since early 2004. Having recently resigned as coach of England Sir Clive maintains he is in a better position to carry out his duties. His qualities and record speak for themselves as he is coach of the Rugby World Cup Champions - England.
Now for the real challenge against former British Lions Coach Graham Henry who he criticised for his techniques and approach in the Australia Tour that the Lions eventually lost after such a strong start.

Tour Manager - Bill Beaumont OBE
England
Former England and British Lion Captain of the 1980 South Africa Tour. Currently chairman of the British Lions Committee Bill Beaumont will oversea the Tour. Having been on and lost with the Lions to New Zealand in 1977 Bill will want to see the scores reversed on this occassion.

Assistant Coach - Eddie O'Sullivan
Ireland
The current head coach of Ireland has won massive compliments throughout the world of rugby for his impressive record in coaching throughout his career to date including clinching the Triple Crown in 2004 for the first time since 1985. Ireland have continued their impressive form recently beating the Tri Nations Champions South Africa .

Assistant Coach Andy Robinson OBE
England
New Coach of England and former England International and British Lions Tourist. Robinson was also part of the coaching Team under Graham Henry in the 2001 campaign in Australia. A loyal aide of Sir Clive Robinson's experience and inside knowledge may prove vital in the Tour.

Assistant Coach - Ian McGeechan
Scotland
Lions Record: Playing 1974 & 1977, Coaching 1989, 1993 & 1997. Geech's as he is known has experience of the Lions as a player and as a coach. This former Scottish International has lead several Tour Campaigns and is classed as the most successful Lions Coach in history. He is respected the World over for his attitude and approach to the game. No doubt his management skills will bring the best out of all the players under him and push them closer to test places.

Assistant Coach - Gareth Jenkins
Wales
With the WRU ban on all of it's domestic staff Touring Jenkins has the chance to show his undoubted coaching skills and tactical awareness. Having narrowly missed out on the Wales position Jenkins will relish the opportunity to take on the best and show what he is capable of.

Defence Coach - Phil Larder MBE
England
Larder was defense coach for the unsuccessful tour to Australia in 2001.Former Rugby League stalwart, Phil Larder joined England as the first specialist coach of his kind under Clive Woodward. His talent and abilities are recognised through the game and his appointment will be welcomed throughout the team.

Defence Coach - Mike Ford
Ireland
Former Rugby league coach Fords influence is a tough tackling Ireland side that are playing at the top of their game. He will guide the mid week side while Larder has priority over the Test Team.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE - JOHN FEEHAN
Ireland
John Feehan has a sound business background that has seen him rise to his current position

TOUR MANAGER - LOUISE RAMSAY MBE
England
Part of the World Cup set up for England Louise has the ability to manage the the best in the World and will be a vital part of the Tour

KICKING COACH - DAVE ALDRED MBE
England
Having previously toured with the Lions to Australia in 2001 Dave was an important part of Englands World Cup Win.

FITNESS COACH - DAVE REDDIN MBE
England
Dave Reddin has been Englands conditioning coach since 1997. He will oversea the fitness and conditioning regime to keep the players at their highest possible levels.

CRAIG WHITE - FITNESS COACH
England
Craig is an experienced strength and conditioning coach currently with Wasps RFC. He will also take care of dietary requirements.

VIDEO ANALYST - TONY BISCOMBE
England
VIDEO ANALYST - GAVIN SCOTT
Scotland
These pair will be responsible for getting the most out of analysing match footage and statistics. A vital tool in the modern game.
TOUR DOCTOR - JAMES ROBSON
Scotland
Lions Record: Team Doctor for his fourth successive tour having previously toured in 1993, 1997 and 2001.

DOCTOR - GARY O'DRISCOLL
Ireland
Rumour has it that Gary is Brians second cousin.

PHYSIOTHERAPIST - PHIL PASK
England

PHYSIOTHERAPIST/MASSUER - BOB STEWART
Scotland

PHYSIOTHERAPIST/MASSUER - STUART BARTON
Scotland

MASSUER - RICHARD WEGRZYK
England
Following 1997 and 2001 this will be Richards third Lions Campaign.

TEAM CHEF - DAVE CAMPBELL
England
This will be Daves first Lions Tour but he was appointed by England following the possibilty of food poisening at the 1995 World Cup.

KIT TECHNICIAN - DAVE TENNISSON
England
Well someones got to do it and who better qualified than Dave part of Englands winning formula.

MEDIA LIASON - LOUISA CHEETHAM
U.S.A
Louisa joins the tour from a background in sports management and agencies. She has worked with the Zurich Premiership, Rugby World Cup and the previous Lions tour to Australia.

SPECIALIST ADVISOR - DAVID MCHUGH
Ireland
David is a highly respected and experienced referee his potential input to the Lions outcome is massive

LEGAL SUPPORT - RICHARD SMITH
England
Smith teamed up with England prior to the 2003 World Cup . His experience and knowledge could prove vital if things don't go according to plan or issues become apparent.