British & Irish Lions Appoint Bird & Bird Sports Law Specialist as Legal Officer

Bird & Bird sports law specialist Max Duthie has been appointed by the British and Irish Lions rugby union team as legal officer for their 2013 tour to Australia.

Duthie, who is a partner in the firm’s sports practice, will be mainly responsive for advising the Lions players on rugby disciplinary matters.

Previous roles include acting for the International Rugby Board, Six Nations, the European Rugby Cup, Celtic Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, the Welsh Rugby Union as well as various clubs and players.

Before starting a career in law, Duthie played professional rugby union in England and France.

British Lions Limited chief executive John Feehan commented: “Few lawyers know the rugby union disciplinary process as well as Max does, and his presence in the tour party will give the players and management considerable confidence. And as an ex-player, I know he will fit in well to the tour party.”

Duthie said: “I hope that I can do my bit to help make the tour a success, and it will be a real pleasure to work alongside some of the world’s best players, coaches, management and support staff.”

The Lions are set to play nine matches in Australia next summer, including matches against the five Australian Super Rugby teams and test matches against the Qantas Wallabies. The team will also play against the Barbarians in Hong Kong.

Earlier this year Duthie was selected as one of nineteen individual advocates, and one of four solicitors, appointed to the pro bono legal advice and representation service for the London 2012 Olympic Games.