McGeechan: Lions legacy now in place
COACH Ian McGeechan believes he has established a successful legacy to lead the British and Irish Lions after announcing the end of his infamous Lions association yesterday.
The 62-year-old signed off his Lions career with an emphatic victory in the third and final Test in Johannesburg on Saturday, but confirmed he will not be in charge for the next tour, in Australia, in 2013.
McGeechan took part in no fewer that seven Lions’ tours – two as a player, one as assistant coach and four as head coach – in an unrivalled legacy which spanned 35 years.
But the Scot insists his coaching team of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards, Graham Rowntree and Rob Howley, which served him so well in South Africa, are perfectly primed to lead the side to a successful future.
“I won’t be here as a head coach in four years time, definitely not,” said McGeechan. I think there is some younger management. There is succession. Everybody has brought something to the table. There will be some players and management who will be in Australia in four years time. That’s where I think there’ll be a legacy. They should be helping to drive the next one.
“This is no doubt the best group and the best organised we have been.”
McGeechan also admitted Saturday’s thumping 28-9 victory proved the perfect sign-off despite the 2-1 series defeat. “I was very proud of yesterday,” he added. “This group of players are a tight a unit as I have ever worked with under pressure. I think last Saturday was the lowest I have ever felt but we came back well and were superb, absolutely excellent.”
Meanwhile, Lions lock Simon Shaw was handed a two-week ban by a disciplinary panel yesterday after being cited for dangerous play.