Hastings backing for inspirational McGeechan to lead the Lions once more

Published on Monday 12 May 2008 10:45

FORMER British and Irish Lions captain Gavin Hastings insists there could be no better choice than fellow Scot Ian McGeechan to be named head coach of the next touring squad later this week.

The Lions visit South Africa next year with an announcement on the coaching panel scheduled for Wednesday. Drawing on experience of leading the Lions under McGeechan's coaching in 1993, Hastings, current Edinburgh Rugby chairman, said: "I just smile when the name Ian McGeechan gets mentioned in a Lions context because he has become so synonymous with the Lions. It just feels right that in this instance Geech is there.

"He is a very astute, clever and experienced man. He commands huge respect.

"He knows what it takes to prepare a winning team.

"He knows what it takes to get the best out of players. Geech has got huge experience and he will bring all that experience to bear."

Wasps head coach Shaun Edwards is also seen as a certainty to be named as McGeechan's assistant and Hastings believes Wales' supremo Warren Gatland should also be recruited to form a Lions coaching dream team.

"Everyone will think the appointment of Geech is fantastic and I am sure the Welsh guys, Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards, will be in behind him," said Hastings, who was speaking at a Lions debate hosted by 2009 tour sponsors HSBC.