Ieuan Evans to stand down as Lions chair after four years

Ieuan Evans will stand down as chair of the British and Irish Lions on 21 October after four years in charge.

The announcement was confirmed by the Lions, with the search for his successor now under way British & Irish Lions. Evans, a former Wales captain, was appointed in 2022 BBC Sport.

For newcomers, the Lions are a special touring team. They bring together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales every four years for a trip to Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.

Evans knows that journey better than most. He toured as a player three times — to Australia in 1989, New Zealand in 1993 and South Africa in 1997 BBC Sport. A wing, the fast finisher who lives on the edge of the pitch, he played club rugby for Llanelli and Bath.

His name is stitched into Lions history. In 1989 he scored the series-winning try in the third Test against Australia — the decisive score in the final match of a best-of-three contest. It is still one of the most replayed Lions moments.

This summer he was back with the squad in a very different role. Evans served as tour manager as the men’s team, coached by Andy Farrell, won their series in Australia BBC Sport. He did it in style. A tour manager looks after the mood, the logistics and the link between players, coaches and board.

Off the field, Evans oversaw governance changes at the Lions, including bringing independent directors onto the board BBC Sport. That moved the organisation away from relying solely on representatives of the four home unions.

What makes this stand out is the timing. The Lions have started looking for a new chair ahead of the first-ever women’s tour to New Zealand BBC Sport. Evans previously chaired a 13-person group that examined whether a women’s Lions team could be launched.

Whoever follows will lead both projects. The men’s side is coming off a series win. The women’s side is starting from scratch, with a landmark trip ahead.