Ieuan Evans to step down as British and Irish Lions chair

Ieuan Evans will stand down as chair of the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday after almost four years in the role. He was appointed in 2022 and is coming to the end of his term.

Evans is an ex-wing who played club rugby for Llanelli and Bath and served as a captain of Wales. He toured with the Lions to Australia in 1989, New Zealand in 1993 and South Africa in 1997. The 62-year-old scored the Lions' pivotal series-winning try in the third Test against Australia in 1989.

Evans served as tour manager last year when the men's team recorded a series victory against the Wallabies under Andy Farrell. His role on that tour formed part of his responsibilities while chair.

During his tenure he oversaw governance changes, including the recruitment of independent directors to the board. Those board changes were implemented as part of the organisation's governance review under his leadership.

"I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved over the past four years, particularly the success of the 2025 tour, the progress made towards the first Lions Women's tour and the strength of the organisation as it looks ahead to an exciting new chapter," said Evans.

Lions chief executive Ben Calveley said: "His infectious passion for the Lions and understanding of what makes this organisation so special has been evident throughout his time in the role."

The Lions have started the search for a new chair. That process is taking place before next year's inaugural women's tour to New Zealand.