Lions 'legacy' rests with the players
Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:19
In his element: Lions head coach Ian McGeechan
Head coach Ian McGeechan may well have said his final farewell to his beloved British and Irish Lions but the 62 year-old is convinced that there are the right people involved with the brand to keep it true to it's fine traditions.
The Lions enjoyed a great win on Saturday in Johannesburg but overall the series belonged to the hosts as the put the ghosts of 1997 to bed win a 2-1 victory.
Despite that disappointment though McGeechan was still in good spirits when reflecting on the tour.
Speaking after his teams impressive 28-9 win over the Springboks in the third and final match on the 2009 tour, McGeechan paid tribute to his fellow organizers of the tour for ensuring it was, in his opinion, the best yet from that point of view.
"I think this has been the best co-ordinated tour in terms of the medical, management, conditioning and coaching staff because what we have tried to do is make sure under that intense environment that you do have to see it as Test environment from day one and that those players are managed from day one."
He continued: "This is no doubt the best group and best organised we've been and I'm thankful that I got the chance to plan over a year and come out three times.”
Looking forward - McGeechan was asked if he was happy that there would be the necessary personel to take over the reins of the Lions in the future. His answer - a pretty confident yes.
Referring to all aspects of the tour party, McGeechan said he was happy that the right type of personalities were around to carry on the great work with the Lions.
"I think there are some younger management in all areas and there is succession there - medical, conditioning, analysts and the people on this tour have been superb.
"It's the same with the coaches - Graham Rowntree, Rob Howley, Shaun Edwards and whether Gats will still be in Wales in four years but these guys have made a fantastic group and everyone has bought something to the table and you should be looking at being able to do that.”
Possible head coaches? McGeechan kept his cards pretty close to his chest but it is clear he has some idea of who might be able to fill his iconic shoes.
"I think the hardest thing is for the Head Coach to dedicate their time to the planning but I will be making some recommendations on that."
The ultimate responsibility for carrying the Lions traditions forward however, according to McGeechan, rests with the players.
Ideas of tradition, prestige and legacy - all the things associated with the Lions are points which McGeechan hopes some of the Lions of 2009 will carry with them into future tours.
"There will be some players on this tour, coaches and management who will be there for Australia in four years time and that is what I think is where a legacy is born and I think that they should be helping drive that forward.
"I said before this tour that we have to set the standard, we have to set the environment about what these players are coming to and the way we operate as coaches and management gives them the environment and then they take it over. Now it is totally the player's environment and that's the way it should be."
Who do you think could be the man to take the Lions to Australia in 2013? Let us know...
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
