Wales legend Evans steps down as Lions chair

Ieuan Evans will leave his position as chair of the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday, ending a tenure that began in 2022. The former Wales captain, who featured on Lions tours to Australia in 1989, New Zealand in 1993 and South Africa in 1997, is concluding his four‑year term. Evans, an ex‑wing, served as tour manager for last year’s successful series win over the Wallabies under Andy Farrell.

The Lions have already begun looking for a successor ahead of the inaugural women’s tour to New Zealand scheduled for next year. “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,” Evans said.

Now 62, Evans famously scored the decisive try in the third Test of the 1989 Australian tour, a moment that secured the series for the Lions. During his chairmanship he oversaw governance reforms, including the appointment of independent directors to the board.

Lions chief executive Ben Calveley praised Evans, noting, “His infectious passion for the Lions and understanding of what makes this organisation so special has been evident throughout his time in the role.”