O'Connell to lead Lions tour

Ireland lock Paul O'Connell has been confirmed as captain for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa this summer.A record 14 Irish players have been selected by head coach Ian McGeechan following their Six Nations Grand Slam victory, while the 37-strong squad also includes 13 Welshmen.Keith Earls and Alan Quinlan of Munster were surprise inclusions, while the selection of Wales winger Leigh Halfpenny - the youngest member of the squad at 20 - has also raised some eyebrows.England are represented by eight men, including centre Riki Flutey - who can become the first person to play both for and against the Lions.But there is no place for his national captain Steve Borthwick, with Mike Blair and Ryan Jones - skippers of Scotland and Wales respectively - also missing out.South Africa are odds-on favourites to win the three-match series, with Ladbrokes offering 1/3. McGeechan's side, meanwhile, is priced 5/2 by Paddy Power.

Written By:- Nick (About our Authors)
Posted on:- 22/04/2009 - 11:16 AM
Filed in:- Rugby Union Betting News