One Knight, Forty-four Lions

The 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic and newsworthy sporting crusades of modern times. Coached by Sir Clive Woodward - on what will be his final rugby assignment - and made up of the elite players of the four home nations, the Lions take on the All Blacks in their own backyard, very aware that only once, in 1971, has a Lions side won a series in New Zealand. Meanwhile, the southern hemisphere will see this as an ideal opportunity for revenge following England's 2003 World Cup victory in Australia. In addition, Woodward will be striving to bring his career in rugby to a dignified conclusion. The sub-plots to this expedition are mouth-watering, too. The tour will take place against the backdrop of Woodward's high-profile resignation and his criticisms of his former RFU employers and Zurich Premiership clubs, which he claims have hindered England's progress. There will be politics involved in the selection of players, as Woodward is certain to stock the backroom staff and playing core with his tried and trusted England lieutenants.
Whether Gareth Jenkins of Wales, Eddie O'Sullivan of Ireland and Ian McGeechan of Scotland - all of whom have been offered coaching roles with the 2005 Lions - will have any say in the selection remains to be seen. In One Knight, Forty-Four Lions, Jeff Connor will reflect upon his day-to-day shadowing of Woodward and his sizeable entourage, report upon the machinations of the tour and reveal the details behind the inevitable political manoeuvring. The book will also contain in-depth accounts of all the matches, as well as interviews with players from both sides, fellow journalists, travelling fans and the indigenous Kiwi support. The backdrop - a million miles away from the cinematic wonder of the Lord of the Rings - will be New Zealand in its miserable, demoralising winter. While the outcome cannot be predicted, the tour will certainly throw up a number of talking points, and One Knight, Forty-Four Lions will provide an honest, unbiased and amusing appraisal of events throughout what is sure to be a legendary Lions tour.