McGeechan to lead Lions again

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON (Reuters) - Ian McGeechan, the man who led the British and Irish Lions to their monumental series victory over South Africa in 1997, has been handed the chance to repeat the achievement against the world champions in 2009.

As was widely expected, the vastly experienced former Scotland coach was unveiled on Wednesday as the head coach for the three-test, 10-match tour from May 30-July 4 next year.

"The 2005 tour was a disappointment and we have a lot to make up for so it is vital we have the best leadership available," selector Andy Irvine told a news conference.

McGeechan has become synonymous with the Lions after a more than 30-year association as player and coach and next year's trip will be his seventh as coach and player.

He coached them to series victories over Australia in 1989 and then-world champions South Africa in 1997 and came desperately close to beating New Zealand in 1993.

He was also an assistant to Clive Woodward on the 2005 New Zealand tour, making a success of the midweek team in an otherwise disappointing tour.

As a player, the former Scotland centre featured in all four tests of the 1974 series victory over South Africa and all four against New Zealand three years later.

"The Lions are special, they are unique and you can't compare it with anything else you do as a player or coach and I have a very strong philosophy and principle about what they are trying do," McGeechan said.