Lions appoint Geech

10:39am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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WASPS director of rugby Ian McGeechan has been appointed head coach of the Lions tour to South Africa.

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

"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."

McGeechan said: "The Lions are a unique sporting concept. 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."