B&I Lions' backroom confirmed

Farrell, Gatland, Rowntree and Howley

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British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has named Rob Howley, Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree as his assistants for the tour to Australia.

Forwards specialist Rowntree and backs coach Howley were part of the 2009 Lions coaching team in South Africa, while ex-rugby league star Farrell will tour with the Lions for the first time.

There is no place, at present, for Wales defence specialist Shaun Edwards.

Howley worked as Wales' interim head coach for their opening Novemeber Tests against Argentina and Samoa last month, and he will resume that job for this season's Six Nations tournament while Wales chief Gatland concentrates on the Lions.

Howley (1997 and 2001) and Rowntree (2005) both toured with the Lions as players.

"I am delighted with today's appointments and confident that Rob, Graham, Andy and myself can come together quickly to face one of the hardest rugby challenges," said Gatland.

"Lions tours are unique as we have to mould together players from four countries in an incredibly short space of time.

"We have no illusion as to the hard work required but we have spoken of the challenges and truly believe that as a coaching team we can provide the players with the support and environment needed for victory in Australia.

"We will also discuss over the coming weeks the requirement for any further technical assistance."

Also confirmed was the appointment of Dr James Robson as leader of the tour medical team. Robson has been the Scotland team doctor since 2002 and next year's tour will be his sixth with the Lions.

The Lions 2013 tour begins against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1, with the first of three Tests against Australia taking place in Brisbane on June 22.

The Lions have not won a Test series since they toured South Africa in 1997.