McGeechan goes back to basics

4:31pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

Ian McGeechan pledged to take the British and Irish Lions back to their roots after being unveiled as head coach for the 2009 tour to South Africa.

McGeechan will embark on his seventh Lions tour and his fourth as head coach after being confirmed on Wednesday as the unanimous choice of the selection committee.

The 61-year-old Wasps director of rugby said: "The Lions are special and unique. You can't compare them to anything else you'll do as a player or coach. I have a strong philosophy and principle in what the Lions should be trying to do."

He added: "Because the Lions are so unique, the preparation has to be unique. Ten games in eight weeks is a unique challenge.

"I firmly believe you need a very tight group - players who can work together as a group with each other and the coaches.

"As far as I'm concerned, everything in preparation and during 2009 will be about one group working closely together.

"What I think is very important is the bond that develops if you're coaching one group of players every day of the tour.

"There will be one coaching team and one group of players. That unity, the need to draw together very quickly, is critical for the Test series.

"Everyone will get the opportunity to make their mark. From day one, everyone must understand what we're about.

"The fact South Africa are world champions again will make it a very special tour."

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