Edinburgh captain Mike Blair has been handed the famous number nine jersey for the British and Irish Lions in the tourists’ opening match against Royal XV (Saturday, 30 May, kick off 2pm (UK time) and has been backed by chairman Gavin Hastings to succeed.

Blair becomes the latest Edinburgh player to gain the ultimate honour in world rugby, following in the illustrious footsteps of such legendary names as Bruce Hay, Andy Irvine, Ken Scotland, Finlay Calder and, of course, Hastings.

Hastings believes Blair has the necessary skill-set to perform well with the Lions after watching him play regularly for Edinburgh. Now you can see for yourself by signing up for a 09/10 Edinburgh Season Ticket. For an opportunity to enjoy top-class rugby at a great value price either click here or call 0131 346 5180.

Hastings said: “I think it is great to see Mike, who plays for our team Edinburgh, selected for the Lions.

“We are fortunate enough to see Mike play week in, week out and we know how good he is. All he needs to do is replicate the form he has shown for Edinburgh and he won’t be far away from becoming a success with the Lions.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing how Mike performs. I’m delighted he has been named in the side for the first match and it is an opportunity for him to show everyone what he is capable of.

“Both Mike and Ross Ford deservedly received the call-up into the squad. They have an opportunity to challenge for Test spots. In fact, I believe all four Scottish representatives will be challenging for Test spots.”

British & Irish Lions Team versus Royal XV on Saturday 30th May

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Wales)
13. Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)
10. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
9. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)
8. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
7. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
6. Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England)
5. Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) captain
4. Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England)
3. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
2. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
1. Andrew Sheridan (Sales Sharks/England)

Replacements:
16. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
17. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
18. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
19. Stephen Ferris (Ulster/Ireland)
20. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)
21. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
22. Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England)