McGeechan: I'm honoured

Lions playing and coaching legend Ian McGeechan described the 2005 tour to New Zealand as presenting "a huge challenge" for the best of British and Irish rugby.

The 57-year-old former Scotland centre will make his fourth Lions trip in a coaching capacity, after masterminding Test series victories over Australia (1989) and South Africa (1997), sandwiching defeat by the All Blacks in 1993.

Lions supremo Sir Clive Woodward has entrusted McGeechan with heading up the midweek team, which promises to be a key role in producing any overall tour success.

It will be the job of McGeechan, Gareth Jenkins and Mike Ford to ensure that players involved in midweek action put pressure on more established names and create a highly-competitive environment with regard to Test selection.

McGeechan's Lions record is remarkable. Apart from his coaching triumphs, he played in all four Tests on the successful 1974 South Africa tour, and all five Tests in New Zealand three years later.

His enthusiasm for the Lions and sense of pride is undiminished, with the 2005 trip proving no exception. Woodward described it as "a huge bonus" to have McGeechan on board.

"The Lions are unique, and it is a great honour to be involved again," said McGeechan.

"A Lions tour of New Zealand is huge. It will be the biggest rugby event to happen next year. The Lions is such a special experience for coaches and players, and I am excited about it. It is going to be a huge challenge.

"The Lions is about four countries coming together, and once you are together, it is about one focus and bringing out all the qualities and strengths.

"It's down to the people and the environment you create. The Lions have always had good Test teams, but it is often the little things that make the difference."

McGeechan's appointment has been welcomed by his employers, the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), who will also provide the Lions head doctor in James Robson, physiotherapists Bob Stewart and Stuart Barton and video analyst Gavin Scott.

"Ian McGeechan is one of the greatest Lions," said SRU chief executive Phil Anderton.

"He has toured with the Lions twice as a player, and next year will be his fourth trip as a member of management.

"In New Zealand, he will be an assistant coach, ensuring that Scottish rugby is represented at the very apex of the game.

"Scottish rugby has to be at the top table - to listen, learn and share knowledge - and we can benefit at all levels of the sport from Ian's involvement with the Lions."