John Spencer given British and Irish Lions role for 2017 New Zealand tour

Former England captain and British and Irish Lions star John Spencer is chosen as the new Lions tour manager for the 2017 trip to New Zealand.

John Spencer, who toured with the British and Irish Lions as a player in 1971, has been chosen to manage the Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2017.

The Lions will visit reigning world champions New Zealand in search of consecutive series wins, following a 2-1 triumph in Australia in 2013.

"It is a huge privilege and honour to represent the Lions as tour manager, 46 years after I did so as a player," Spencer told reporters.

"My predecessor Andy Irvine did a fantastic job in Australia, and I am looking forward to following in his footsteps."

Spencer, 66, will be joined by ex-Ireland winger Tom Grace, who has been appointed as the new chairman of the British and Irish Lions board.

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