Alastair Campbell linked to Lions

Lions coach Clive Woodward has enlisted the services of Alastair Campbell, the former British government chief spin doctor, to help on their tour to New Zealand next summer, according to The Observer.

Woodward is known for his attention to detail – highlighted by a backroom staff of 26 – and is believed to have brought one of Tony Blair’s closest allies on board to advise on media relations.

England’s World Cup-winning former coach believes Campbell’s experience of handling the media and coping with highly pressured situations at the highest levels of government will be useful, reports the newspaper.