IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY NO TO THE IMPOSSIBLE JOB!

heAd coach of the Lions. It’s a pretty hard job to say no to. John Feehan, the chief executive officer of the Lions, had asked if I’d be prepared to put my name forward again.

Taking a Lions squad to Australia was one thing; taking one to New Zealand less than a week before the first game was quite another.

It had already been described as ‘Mission Impossible’. Graham henry, head coach on the 2001 tour (below), would subsequently call the itinerary ‘suicidal’. But that’s why we’re involved in professional sport: to take on challenges and test ourselves, and to achieve the unexpected. So I was quite relaxed as I put together my presentation. I spoke a little about the hangover from the last tour to New Zealand in 2005; the injury to Brian O’driscoll and its bitter fallout; how the appointment of Alastair Campbell had antagonised the New Zealand media and public; and the series whitewash.

A lot of negativity surrounded that tour, which emphasised the need to engage with the community, fans, clubs, local hospitals and charities. Another key aspect for me was my understanding of the culture. drawing on my experience of taking Wales to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, the Lions needed to be prepared. New Zealand is different. It’s such a long way away.

I was asked: ‘how would you feel if you were offered the job, or if you weren’t offered the position?’ I thought for a few seconds and said: ‘I can’t lose.’

There were a few puzzled looks, so I added: ‘It would be a huge honour and privilege and I’d give everything I have and do the best job I can. And if you don’t offer me the job, then I’ll think, “Thank God for that. I’ve probably dodged a bullet”.’

They saw the irony in that, knowing how tough a task this would be. It was genuinely how I felt. After 2013, I knew how hard it was, especially for the head coach. You’re in the spotlight every day. everything you do, every decision you make, is scrutinised. The players can step in and out of the spotlight. The matches are tough, but if a Lions tour is not successful — and that can happen for any player — they can return to their clubs and national teams without it necessarily impacting on their career.

For the coaches, even Ian McGeechan, and certainly Clive Woodward and henry, they shoulder more of the responsibility if the Lions fail.