Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny is anxious for a quick return to duty after what he admitted was a “frustrating” British and Irish Lions debut.

AS The &Lions’ latest arrival, Gordon D’Arcy, sat poolside at the team’s base in Bloemfontein yesterday, he cut a tired yet contented figure.

There are multiple reports in today's papers that Ian McGeechan has made his decision on who will captain the Lions.

ENGLAND legend, Dean Richards, believes Ronan O’Gara should be the Lions test-match out-half against South Africa this summer, describing the Munster and Ireland No 10 as someone who can deliver in high pressure situations.

England scrum coach Graham Rowntree has been appointed to Ian McGeechan’s management team for next summer’s Lions tour to South Africa.

GAVIN HASTINGS yesterday urged Lions selectors to retain Brian O’Driscoll as skipper for next summer’s tour to South Africa.

Ian McGeechan is expected to be confirmed as head coach of the 2009 British and Irish Lions later this morning.

Gavin Hastings is convinced Ian McGeechan will rebuild the unique aura of the British and Irish Lions after the “disaster” and “circus” of the 2005 tour of New Zealand.

Lawrence Dallaglio has warned the Lions they must be ready to “take on a whole nation” when they head to New Zealand in the summer.

Lawrence Dallaglio fully supports Clive Woodward’s decision to break with tradition and name the biggest British & Irish Lions touring party in history.

Scotland stand-off Gordon Ross has revealed that he has had to shut tomorrow’s RBS 6 Nations Championship opener with Ireland out of his mind during the past week – in order to get some sleep.

Kenny Logan expects to be sacked as goalkicker for Scotland.

Andy Moore hopes that Six Nations history will repeat itself when Wales face a "backs-to-the-wall" mission at Murrayfield tomorrow.