Lions hope to avoid fixture clash

BRITISH and Irish Lions chiefs are confident a potentially embarrassing clash of fixtures that could affect the start of the 2009 tour to South Africa will be resolved.

The opening match of the tour is against a Highveld XV in Rustenburg on May 30 — the same day the Guinness Premiership final is scheduled to be staged at Twickenham.

Ian McGeechan was yesterday confirmed as Lions head coach, rendering the Wasps director of rugby unavailable for the domestic showpiece should the London club be involved. But Lions chairman Andy Irvine is convinced there’ll be agreement.