O'Connell confirmed as Lions captain

Paul O’Connell has been confirmed as captain of the British and Irish Lions for their tour of South Africa, with Keith Earls a surprise addition to the squad.

Tue, 21 Apr, 2009 - 14:31

Paul O’Connell has been confirmed as captain of the British and Irish Lions for their tour of South Africa, with Keith Earls a surprise addition to the squad.

The announcement of the British & Irish Lions squad was made in London by tour manager Gerald Davies and head coach Ian McGeechan. The tour party has a record 14 representatives from Ireland - including 8 from Munster - 13 from Wales, eight from England and two from Scotland.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Asenathi Ntlabakanye is tackled by jimmy O’Brien 9/5/2026 South Africa prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye to miss World Cup due to 18-month ban
Jack Crowley 12/5/2026 'We'll need him': Clayton McMillan knows Jack Crowley's importance to Munster 
Jack Crowley 12/5/2026 Jack Crowley back at 10 as Munster name team for URC showdown with Lions 
CourtsRugbyLions 2009Place: South AfricaPlace: LondonPlace: IrelandPlace: WalesPlace: EnglandPlace: ScotlandPlace: NewPlace: northern hemispherePlace: New ZealandPlace: CardiffPlace: Millennium StadiumPerson: O'ConnellPerson: Paul O’ConnellPerson: Keith EarlsPerson: Gerald DaviesPerson: Ian McGeechanPerson: O’ConnellPerson: Brian O’DriscollPerson: O'DriscollPerson: Ronan O'GaraPerson: Rob KearneyPerson: Luke FitzgeraldPerson: Tomas O'LearyPerson: Jamie HeaslipPerson: David WallacePerson: Stephen FerrisPerson: Tommy BowePerson: Alan QuinlanPerson: Donncha O'CallaghanPerson: Jerry FlanneryPerson: Ryan JonesPerson: Steve BorthwickPerson: Mike BlairPerson: BrianPerson: O’DriscollPerson: IanPerson: Martin JohnsonPerson: McGeechanPerson: PaulPerson: Paul O'ConnellPerson: Warren GatlandPerson: GatlandPerson: O'ConnelEvent: Grand SlamEvent: 1997 LionsEvent: Heineken CupEvent: IrishOrganisation: British and Irish LionsOrganisation: British & Irish LionsOrganisation: MunsterOrganisation: IrelandOrganisation: RBSOrganisation: Wales’Organisation: EnglandOrganisation: ScotlandOrganisation: LimerickOrganisation: LionsOrganisation: WalesOrganisation: & Irish LionsOrganisation: Springboks
<p>BLOW: Ulster captain Iain Henderson pensive after being shown a red card against the Stormers at Affidea Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile</p>

Iain Henderson hit with three-game ban, misses Ulster's Challenge Cup final in Bilbao

READ NOW

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Latest

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Donal Lenihan
Donal Lenihan

Inside rugby

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited