Irvine would like Robinson available as Lions candidate for Australia tour

Former Scotland and Lions full-back Irvine will manage the ten-game trip, which begins with a fixture against the Barbarians in Hong Kong and features three Tests against the Wallabies, as well as six non-Test matches.

After the Barbarians match, the Lions head to Australia for their first match against Western Force in Perth on 5 June, before taking on Queensland Reds in Brisbane three days later.

A combined New South Wales-Queensland country team provide the opposition in Newcastle on 12 June, followed by matches against the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies in the following six days.

The first Test takes place in Brisbane on 22 June. The final tour match will be against the Melbourne Rebels on 25 June, followed by the second Test at Etihad Stadium three days later. The final Test is at ANZ Stadium on 6 July.

The head coach’s identity is set to be revealed next April or May, with Irvine hoping for availability from Wales head coach Warren Gatland, Ireland chief Declan Kidney and Scotland’s Andy Robinson.

Sir Ian McGeechan, currently in charge of Bath and the most successful coach in Lions history, could also be among the contenders. “We have a completely open mind for the 2013 tour on who it [coach] will be,” said Irvine, speaking at yesterday’s Cardiff launch of the 2013 tour fixture schedule.

“Whoever the coach is will be taking a year out. He does not have to come from the home unions and we could look worldwide, but ideally the head coach will come from a union associated with the Lions. Ian McGeechan has not ruled himself out entirely.

“He did indicate that 2009 would be his last tour, but he has said nothing definitive and he has to be an option.

“It is such a highly-prized job that we will not be short of candidates. To play for the Lions is the ultimate, and to coach the Lions is pretty close to that.

“We would like Declan Kidney, Andy Robinson and Warren Gatland to all be available. I think all three would be available if required.” The Lions last visited Australia ten years ago, losing the Test series 2-1 under Graham Henry’s direction, while they suffered similar disappointment in South Africa on the 2009 trip, being edged out during a titanic three-game rubber.

Irvine added: “2009 was a successful tour on and off the field and a great credit to all involved. They were unlucky with injuries in the second Test and outscored South Africa on tries.

“Continuity is an important thing and, with a such a tight schedule, it does help if the coaches were involved in the previous tour, but there is also a view that it is good to spread the Lions experience a bit.

“The Lions coach will not be involved in the 2013 Six Nations. He will need to be free of international commitments so he can look at players from the four home unions and be at different matches, and that would include the 2012 autumn series.

“We are starting the 2013 trip in Hong Kong, and it is about spreading the gospel.

“We would like all the squad to be in Hong Kong, but it may be that some players go straight to Perth to prepare for our first match in Australia. That will be a decision for the head coach.”

“The Lions tour here in 2001 was an extraordinary event and one which provided significant economic benefit to those cities which hosted major matches,” Australian Rugby Union chief John O’Neill said. “A Lions tour is a massive occasion. Behind the Rugby World Cup it is the most engaging, high-profile and popular event our game can showcase.”

And Lions chairman Gerald Davies added: “With the latest Rugby World Cup tournament completed, a major focus for the rugby world is now the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2013.

“Lions tours are hugely popular and, outside of Rugby World Cup, represent one of the game’s major showpieces, with global media coverage and ticket sales testament to their popularity.”

• Bookmakers Ladbrokes make Warren Gatland the even money favourite to be appointed the head coach of the 2013 British and Irish Lions for next year’s tour of Australia. Shaun Edwards is 2-1 to go one rung up the ladder from the 2009 tour, leaving Declan Kidney and Andy Robinson also in with chances at 6-1 each.

Currently unemployed Martin Johnson is a 33-1 outsider while 2003 World Cup hero Clive Woodword can be backed at 100-1.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “Gatland’s experience and success with Wales has really struck a chord with punters. After Johnson’s World Cup campaign he’s a huge outsider and we’d be surprised if we took any money on him to get the gig at all.”

Latest betting: Warren Gatland evens, Shaun Edwards 2-1, Declan Kidney 6-1, Andy Robinson 6-1, Graham Henry 25-1, Conor O’Shea 25-1, Martin Johnson 33-1, Jim Mallinder 33-1, Nick Mallett 33-1, Dean Richards 50-1, Dean Ryan 50-1, Sir Clive Woodward 100-1.

2013 FIXTURES

Saturday 1 June v Barbarians in Hong Kong

Wednesday 5 June v Western Force in Perth

Saturday 8 June v Queensland Reds in Brisbane

Wednesday 12 June v Combined New South Wales in Queensland Country, Newcastle

Saturday 15 June v New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney

Tuesday 18 June v ACT Brumbies in Canberra

Saturday 22 June First Test in Brisbane

Tuesday 25 June v Melbourne Rebels in Melbourne

Saturday 29 June Second Test in Melbourne

Saturday 6 July Third Test in Sydney