British and Irish Lions: McGeechan is formally named head coach

SCOTTISH rugby great Ian McGeechan pledged a back-to-basics approach for the British and Irish Lions after he was introduced today as head coach for the 2009 tour.

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

The 61-year-old Scot is determined to honour Lions traditions by dispensing with the bloated touring party assembled by Sir Clive Woodward four years ago. Woodward used 51 players and a giant backroom staff of 26 for New Zealand, who he immediately split into two groups with McGeechan in charge of the unbeaten midweek team.

Former England boss Woodward hoped it would set the blueprint for all future Lions trips, but instead it ended in a desperate 0-3 Test series whitewash.

For McGeechan, Wasps director of rugby, team unity is key to a successful tour. "The Lions are special and unique," he said. "You can't compare them to anything else you'll do as a player or coach.

"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."

Wales coach Warren Gatland and his assistant Shaun Edwards are expected to be appointed to the coaching staff for South Africa next year.

McGeechan, who masterminded a famous series victory over the Springboks in 1997, insists he will finalise his backroom team as soon as possible.

The Lions have 10 matches scheduled in South Africa, including Tests against the Springboks in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg between 20 June and 4 July.

Other fixtures include appointments with the Emerging Springboks, Western Province and the Sharks and tour opens on May 30 against a Highveld XV in Rustenburg.

"The fact South Africa are world champions again will make it a very special tour," McGeechan said, adding that there would be no conflict between his duties for Wasps and Lions.