SCOTLAND

McGeechan gets Lions job

Wednesday 14th May 2008

Lion king: McGeechan will go on a record seventh Lions tour

Ian McGeechan has been named as the Head Coach for the Lions tour to South Africa in 2009.

McGeechan is a member of a select group who have played and coached the British and Irish Lions and this will be his seventh tour with the Lions.

With two Lions Tours as a player in 1974 (South Africa - four Tests) and 1977 (New Zealand - four Tests), three tours as Head Coach in 1989 (Australia), 1993 (New Zealand) and 1997 (South Africa), and the 2005 tour as assistant coach, Ian McGeechan is the most experienced Lions Coach of all time. His record speaks for itself, with one tour victory as player and two as Head Coach.

"We are honoured to have Ian as the 2009 Head Coach," Andy Irvine, Chairman of the Lions Board, said.

"His wealth of experience at national and club levels is an incredible asset and his Lions pedigree is unrivalled.

"Indeed, this will be Ian's seventh Lions tour. My colleagues on the board and I are delighted that he made himself available for selection and were unanimous in his appointment. We are very confident that he can lead the 2009 Lions to a truly memorable series win against the world champions.

"Some years ago there was doubt they would even continue but I'm delighted to say they're as popular as ever.

"Many players have said playing for the Lions is the highlight of their career. And we expect 50,000 fans to travel South Africa.

"The 2005 tour was very disappointing as we lost the Test series 3-0 so it's vital we have the best leadership for to achieve success in South Africa.

"Once Gerald Davies was appointed tour manager all our attentions focused on who would be the best coach. From day one McGeechan was in our thoughts.

"We wanted someone with a special bond with the Lions. We looked elsewhere as well but time and again we kept going back to Ian."

McGeechan, Director of Rugby at Wasps, is relishing being involved in yet another Lions tour.

"The Lions are a unique sporting concept," he said.

"It's about a group of rugby players from four different countries coming together and forming a tight-knit group within a very short time frame.

"It is a huge challenge and a great honour to be involved again. I will endeavour to create the right environment for this team to blossom and perform in the short time that we are together."

Ian McGeechan is the second appointment for the South African tour after the appointment of Gerald Davies as Tour Manager in November, 2007.