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Rugby Union

McGeechan claims Johnson will set right example

23/06/2008

Wasps' director of rugby Ian McGeechan says the misconduct of England players during the tour to New Zealand would not have happened had manager Martin Johnson been present.

Four players were implicated in an alleged sexual assault following a late night drinking session after the first Test which England lost 37-20.

McGeechan, who will coach the British Lions in South Africa next summer, says Johnson would have set the right tone and players would not have been able to get away with such behaviour had he been in New Zealand.

The Scot, who chose Johnson as Lions captain in 1997, says Johnson will let the younger players know exactly what is expected of them now they have become internationals and does not expect a repeat of the incident in Aukland.

He told BBC Radio Five: "Martin knows what it takes to win. He would set an example that just wouldn't allow this environment to develop."

"The young players sometimes have to be told exactly what is expected of them. Often you have got very strong players in the group who will do that."

McGeechan claims the senior player in the England squad must also take the lead and set a good example for the newer recruits to follow.

The Wasps coach says it is useful if the player agree to a code of conduct and that they are then held accountable to the declaration they have made.

"You have to have a strong code of conduct the players are part of - that is key," added McGeechan.

"If you agree it then it's black and white and there are no grey areas. I don't think there's any reason not to say 'this is what we are buying into, what we accept, and if we don't behave that way there will be consequences'."

McGeechan feels Johnson will instil respect among the players and that this will benefit England on and off the field.