In some 118 days the 2009 British & Irish Lions Tour of South Africa kicks off. The Lions will play 10 matches in all, including three against 2007 Rugby World Cup holders South Africa and one against the Emerging Springboks.

The first official tour by the British Isles Rugby Union Team, selected by a committee from all four Home Unions, was to South Africa in 1910. The Lions name was coined during the inter-war period, when the emblem on the players’ jersey and lapel badges gave them their alternative title. Even in the age of professional rugby, the 2005 Tour to New Zealand proved to be a huge success with a reported 30,000 fans traveling to support the team. It is expected that the 2009 Tour will be even bigger.

Over the years, some legends of the game have been selected to represent the Lions. The likes of Phil Bennett, Andy Irvine, JPR Williams, Gavin Hastings and Keith Wood have worn the coveted red jersey.

Chiefs pinup Richard Kahui has sent out a strong message that he wants to be known for his rugby skills rather than his good looks.

All Blacks legend and former Toulon player Andrew Mehrtens believes Tana Umaga will be inspired to lead by example with his decision to come out of retirement and play again.

A Saint turned sinner, former All Black Carlos Spencer has been thrown on the rugby scrapheap. How long he remains there depends on just who's prepared to take a punt on the erratic genius.

Joseveta Rokocoko has backed the Blues to get results in South Africa even though he, Jerome Kaino and Taniela Moa are all likely to miss the trip.

Until the Crusaders rolled on the cavalry last night, the Highlanders looked capable of whipping the rug from under their boots in Timaru on Friday night.

The Blues ruined their old mate Daniel Braid's return to Auckland with a dogged 26-24 win over the Queensland Reds in their preseason match on Friday night.

With Robbie Deans' XXXL shadow no longer hanging over the New Zealand Super 14 effort it's time for another coach to step forward and stamp his mark on the competition.

The biggest mystery about the decision to give Tana Umaga a security blanket for his coaching at Toulon is that it took so long.

Former All Black captain Tana Umaga has decided to launch a comeback on the playing field as he prepares to take a step back in his coaching role at Toulon.

Tana Umaga decided against making his highly anticipated return to action and then had the joy of watching his Toulon team score a rare – and crucial – win in the French Top 14 championship.

Warren Gatland has called Dwayne Peel into Wales’ Six Nations squad due to an injury scare to Gareth Cooper.

WRU boss Roger Lewis says he is pitching to host next year’s Heineken Cup final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Former Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan emerges as a possible successor to Scott Johnson as USA coach.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll reveals that winning a Lions call is an added incentive for teams to perform well in the Six Nations.