"I'd like to see coaches from each of the four nations" - Rory Best
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Former Ireland and Lions' hooker Rory Best has called for changes in how the British and Irish Lions coaching staff is selected.
Speaking on RTE’s Game On, The former Ireland captain suggests that someone from each of the four nations should be included in the British and Irish Lions’ coaching staff for the next tour.
Best, who was part of the squads in 2013 and 2017, says that it could be time for a change after Warren Gatland took charge of his third tour as head coach.
“I would like to see a British or Irish head coach. I’d also like to see coaches from each of the four nations included in that,” Best explained.
“I think it gives you an even spread, it gives you that you treat the Lions with respect. There can be no arguments over selection.
“The problem with this tour, if you were a bit cynical about it, is that there were a lot of Welsh and a lot of Scottish played at times. I don’t think it should be a case of which voice is loudest in the room.
“It should be an equal balance of that and then pick the best players.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 tour to Australia, Best highlighted a few coaches that he feels should feature in the coaching staff.
“With Gregor Townsend having toured with them he’s got to be there. You’d love to see someone like a Rob Baxter (Exeter Director of Rugby), Mark McCall (Saracens Director of Rugby) or Andy Farrell (Ireland head coach).
“These are guys who understand the traditions of the Lions from watching it as kids – Gregor has played on tours.
"It would be someone like that who understands the importance of everything involved with the Lions. Yes, the Test series is what you're ultimately judged on but you should be internally judged on more than that.
"There are a lot of strong candidates out there but I would love to see how the next couple of years go for someone like Andy Farrell. Give some of these people a bit of time and see what they do.
"I would prefer it to be someone from Britain or Ireland."
