Lions head coach unveiled

Updated 10.44 Wed May 14 2008

Keywords: Ian McGeechan, lions

Ian McGeechan has been unveiled as head coach for the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

Wasps director of rugby McGeechan was unveiled at a press conference in London.

McGeechan has enjoyed a long and successful association with the Lions and has been involved in six previous tours

The 61-year-old Scot masterminded a famous series victory over the Springboks in 1997 and this will be his fourth Lions tour as head coach.

McGeechan has enjoyed a long and successful association with the Lions and has been involved in six previous tours.

England, Ireland and Scotland were poor in the championship while Wales were anxious to ensure Warren Gatland, their highly-rated coach, would not be in overall charge.

Lions chairman Andy Irvine said: "A lions tour is very special. Many players have said playing for the Lions is the highlight of their career. And we expect 50,000 fans to travel South Africa."