Former Ireland captain Donal Lenihan has been named manager for the British Lions tour of Australia in 2001.

Lenihan, a three-times Lions tourist in 1983, 1986 and 1989, was a selector for the 1997 tour of South Africa after winning 52 caps for Ireland, including 17 as captain.

He is currently manager of the Ireland team.

Lions Committee chairman, Syd Millar, said on Friday: "It was the unanimous view of the committee that Donal - one of several really outstanding candidates - is best equipped to lead the challenge of beating Australia, the World Cup champions.

"We see his vast rugby experience, coupled with his managerial, organisation and commercial skills, as key to the success of the tour."

"It has always been my goal to manage the Lions team and I am looking forward immensely to the challenge. Fran Cotton's achievement as manager of the victorious 1997 Lions is a hard act to follow, but also inspirational for 2001.

"My immediate task is to identify those members of the management team who will assist me, particularly the head coach.

"To be successful in 2001 will require careful planning - the sooner we start the better."