Ex-Wales skipper Ieuan Evans succeeds Jason Leonard in Lions role

Former Wales captain Ieuan Evans will succeed Jason Leonard as chair of the British and Irish Lions board. Evans, 58, takes up the post on October 1, the Lions announced on Wednesday.

Evans played in seven Lions Tests across three tours - Australia (1989), New Zealand (1993) and South Africa (1997) - and won 72 Wales caps, scoring 33 tries. He also skippered his country to the Five Nations Championship title in 1994.

“Having toured with the Lions at the peak of my international career, it is an honour to be appointed chairman of the British and Irish Lions board,” Evans said. “Lions tours are unique in the world of sport, both in terms of the ultimate challenge they represent and the cultural impact they have.”

Lions managing director Ben Calveley added: “I have no doubt Ieuan will lead the board in our mission to deliver rugby with purpose to players, fans, the game and communities we visit.

“I would also like to thank and pay tribute to Jason Leonard for his commitment and excellent term since being appointed in 2019.” The Lions’ next tour is to Australia in 2025.