Geech to lead the Lions, again

Eurosport - Wed, 14 May 16:29:00 2008

Ian McGeechan has been named head coach of the 2009 British and Irish Lions for their three-Test series against World champions South Africa.

Ian McGeechan (c), Andy Irvine (l) and Gerald Davies - 2009 British Lions - 0

The Scot (pictured centre) will lead the Lions for a fourth time, following victorious tours to Australia in 1989 and South Africa in 1997, and a losing series to New Zealand in 1993.

The 61-year-old was also an assistant coach on the 2005 tour to New Zealand and a Lions player in 1974 and 1977.

McGeechan's appointment was widely expected and once he had confirmed his availability it was just a matter of the Lions selection committee rubbing stamping their decision.

"The 2005 tour was a disappointment and we have a lot to make up for, so it is vital we have the best leadership available," said Lions committee member Andy Irvine (pictured left).

"All our attentions turned to securing the best coach available and from day one Ian McGeechan was very much in our thoughts and it was a unanimous decision to invite him to be head coach and we were delighted he could accept."

Currently director of rugby at Wasps, McGeechan is likely to name his second in command at the Heineken Cup champions, Shaun Edwards, as part of his coaching team for the 10-game tour.

Edwards, also part of Warren Gatland's coaching staff that helped Wales to the 2008 Six Nations Grand Slam, has formed a highly-successful partnership with McGeechan at Wasps.

McGeechan was an assistant coach under Sir Clive Woodward for the disastrous series in New Zealand three years ago.

Although the Lions went down heavily in all three Tests, McGeechan's midweek side at least went unbeaten on a tour that many considered had lost sight of the traditional Lions ethos.

McGeechan will be determined this time to avoid the mistakes made by Woodward and make sure there is no split in the squad by selecting on form rather than reputation.

As a player, former Scotland centre McGeechan featured in all four Tests of the 1974 series victory over South Africa and all four against New Zealand three years later.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport