Ireland coach may still have plenty to prove but he knows what’s needed on tour and is the right man for the job
Among the pressing questions at Andy Farrell’s first press conference as head coach of the British and Irish Lions it had to be asked exactly how many people it takes to get a rugby tour organised in the 21st century.
Back in 1888, on the very first tour, the Lions had a backroom staff of exactly two. These days, 136 years later, it took three just to welcome each of the attendees and escort them through the doors and up to the 14th floor of the office block hosting the event. The Lions have a staff of about 90 at their peak, but by the time you’ve added in all the sponsors, media, and public relations wranglers, it feels like it runs nearer 900.