Graham Henry has vowed to help lead the Lions to victory in Australia after taking over as coach. Henry's appointment was confirmed following a meeting between the Welsh Rugby Union, 2001 Lions manager Donal Lenihan and Henry.

"It is a great honour for me to be asked to coach the Lions to Australia in 2001," Henry said. "I know how important it is to international players in the UK and Ireland to be selected for a Lions party and I look forward to playing my part in developing a winning Lions team in Australia next year."

Ex-Lions centre Scott Gibbs believes Henry will be right man for the job - not just because of his tactical expertise but because he will be determined to put one over on the Wallabies. Lions committee chairman Syd Millar said: "The brief we gave to Donal was to recommend the best available coach, irrespective of nationality, and Graham's coaching credentials are of the highest class."

Lenihan added: "To win we need players and coaching staff of outstanding quality. The appointment of head coach is key - and to have available to us the skills, experience and knowledge of the Southern Hemisphere which Graham brings is a major boost."