McGeechan feels 'privileged'

McGeechan: Honoured

I'm delighted to be here. It's an honour and privilege to get the opportunity to coach the Lions again.

Ian McGeechan
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Ian McGeechan insisted it is "an honour and privilege" to coach the British and Lions for a fourth time.

McGeechan was the head coach for the tours in 1989, 1993 and 1997 - winning in Australia and South Africa - while he also led the midweek team in 2005.

But McGeechan's bond with the Lions stretches back to the Seventies, when he toured twice with the squad as a player.

And the 61-year-old Wasps director of rugby can't wait to see the new pride of Lions tackle the World Cup winning Springboks.

McGeechan said: "I'm delighted to be here. It's an honour and privilege to get the opportunity to coach the Lions again.

"The Lions have always been so important to me. The Lions are special and unique. You can't compare them to anything else you do as a player or coach.

"Because they're so unique the preparation has to be unique. Ten games in eight weeks is a unique challenge.

Challenge

"I believe you need a very tight squad. All preparations for 2009 will be about one group working very closely together.

"The fact it's against the world champions Springboks also makes it a massive challenge.

"I'm looking forward to working with Gerald Davies, the team manager. This will be a partnership.

"My responsibility will be the rugby and that will be my sole focus.

"The tradition of the Lions is important to making sure the Lions have a fighting chance of succeeding in South Africa.

"I will continue coaching at Wasps as it's important I'm hands on there. The arrangement does allow me to be flexible and the club are happy with that."

McGeechan is likely to approach current Wasps coach Shaun Edwards and the side's former director of rugby Warren Gatland to become his assistants following the duo's success in the RBS Six Nations with Wales.

And although McGeechan has refused to discuss names, he has admitted he will look to appoint his backroom team as soon as possible.

He said: "Gerald and I will spend some time together and talk things through.

"I hope that over the next two months the management structure will be in place. From now we'll be working very hard in that respect."