RUGBY'S worst kept secret was finally revealed today when former Scotland guru Ian McGeechan was made coach for next year's British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.
The 61-year-old former international captain's appointment was confirmed in London and McGeechan immediately set his sights on repeating his 1997 success against the Springboks in their own backyard.
"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," said McGeechan, who added: "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."
Adding to the Scottish flavour Andy Irvine who, coincidentally, made his Test debut on the same day as McGeechan against the 1972 All Blacks at Murrayfield, chairs the Lions committee responsible for making the appointment.
Irvine said of the man currently director of rugby at high-flying London Wasps: "From day one McGeechan was in our thoughts, he's the most successful coach in Lions history.
"We wanted someone with a special bond with the Lions. We looked elsewhere as well but time and again we kept going back to Ian.
"The 2005 tour (of New Zealand) was very disappointing as we lost the Test series 3-0 so it's vital we have the best leadership for to achieve success in South Africa."
Conscious of wanting to restore the Lions' image, Irvine said: "Some years ago there was doubt they would even continue but I'm delighted to say they're as popular as ever.
"Many players have said playing for the Lions is the highlight of their career. And we expect 50,000 fans to travel South Africa."
The 2005 trip saw McGeechan in an assistant role (to Sir Clive Woodward) for the first time, having been at the head of tours in 1993 (New Zealand) and Australia (1989) as well as South Africa.
He was also a Lions player in 1974 and 1977.
Assisting McGeechan will be Shaun Edwards, coach at Wasps.
Among those reckoned to have expressed an interest was Jake White, who guided South Africa to the World Cup last year and is currently available.
However, Irvine made it clear the prime choice was McGeechan.
"His wealth of experience at national and club levels is an incredible asset and his Lions pedigree is unrivalled," said Irvine of a man who bridged the gap between amateur and pro rugby seemingly effortlessly.
The full article contains 440 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
