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Rugby Union

McGeechan to coach Lions in South Africa

14/05/2008

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan has been named head coach for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa next year.

The 61-year-old was unveiled to the media at a press conference this morning and will take charge of the Lions team for a third time.

McGeechan was head coach the last time the British and Irish collective played in South Africa, masterminding a 2-1 series victory over the Springboks in 1997.

He also led the side on the 1987 and 1993 tours, was an assistant coach under Sir Clive Woodward in 2005 and toured as a player with the Lions in 1974 and 1977.

The 2009 tour again sees South Africa hosting the tourists as world champions, following their 15-6 victory over England in last year's World Cup final in Paris.

And Lions chairman Andy Irvine said the board had considered McGeechan as one of the best candidates "from day one".

"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," Irvine explained.

"He's the most successful coach in Lions history."