The British and Irish Lions committee for the 2013 tour to Australia have asked former coach Ian McGeechan to help them plan their upcoming trip.
McGeechan has player and coach has experience of seven tours and will act as a consultant and help to draw up the tour schedule and ensure the next coach and squad of players have the best possible chance of success.
He has ruled himself out as a contender for the position of head coach but looks set to play a part in the tour.
"Previously the opposition and travel has all been in place before the head coach is appointed," McGeechan told the Telegraph.
"In South Africa we played the first Test in Durban, then went midweek to Cape Town and then traveled to Pretoria [for the second Test] at the worst time possible to go back to high altitude. "
"I know Australia is not the same in terms of altitude but it does involve long-distance travel.
McGeechan has confirmed that there is the possibility of a Test match against Argentina or Japan en route to Australia would be among the Lions committee's discussions.
The final schedule for the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour is likely to be drawn up and agreed with the Australian Rugby Union before the end of this year.
