Dai Young gets backing to tour with British Lions

Apr 18 2008 by Blair Wood, South Wales Echo

CARDIFF Blues chairman Peter Thomas has endorsed the possible appointment of Dai Young as the forwards coach for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa next summer.

Reports have suggested that Young will join Wasps duo Ian McGeechan and Shaun Edwards on the Lions coaching staff for the Springboks tour and Thomas believes the Blues director of rugby's elevation would be well deserved.

“I really hope he gets it,” said Thomas.

“It is not only a huge statement for Dai but also for the region and he would go with our full backing.

“It will also enable him to learn so much and bring it back to Wales.”

The nominations for the head coach role closed last weekend and with former favourite Eddie O’Sullivan falling by the wayside and Warren Gatland preferring to concentrate on Wales matters, McGeechan is set to embark on his seventh Lions tour, and his fifth as a coach.

And the former Scottish coach is set to be joined by his close club colleague Edwards, who signed a deal with Wales last week that takes him through to the 2011 World Cup.

And Gerald Davies completes the Welsh influence in his role as tour manager as the Lions take on the world champions in three Tests.