'Geech' will consider Super 14 role
Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:08
Strong plea: Lions head coach Ian McGeechan
British and Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan has confirmed that he will be considering a Super 14 coaching post for next year and has also not ruled out taking charge of the 2013 Lions tour to Australia.
With just one test left on the tour McGeechan will soon be without a permanent coaching position. Having stepped down from his post as Director of Rugby at London Wasps following their disappointing 2008/09 campaign, the legendary Lion says he is keeping his options open.
One option though which seems to have already sparked his interest is that of coaching in the Southern Hemisphere's premier competition - the Super 14.
The 62 year-old would not disclose exactly where, or in what capacity he might be working, but did admit that, following the completion of the Lions tour, he would be considering his future and the possibility of a move down to South Africa next year.
"The only plan I have, apart from taking a few months out, is to consider an offer to come back out here next year and have a coaching involvement in Super 14 rugby," he said to the Guardian.
"It would be a different experience for me and it would allow me to see the sport from a different angle. You never stop learning and my passion for rugby is as strong as ever."
The only Super 14 franchise currently known to be seeking a 'head coach' is of course the Johannesburg based Golden Lions.
Former Springbok coach Jake White and his consultancy company, Winning Ways, are currently running a 'hands on' audit of the Lions Union and a decision has yet to be made as to who will be in the top coaching position come the start of the Super 14 next February.
Hans Coetzee, in charge of the Golden Lions side which went down 74-10 to the British and Irish Lions last month, has been appointed for the upcoming Currie Cup season but nothing further at this point in time.
Of course McGeechan, with all his knowledge and experience, would not only consider a position as head coach at a franchise. The Lions mentor has travelled around the whole of South Africa during the current tour and could well have received an approach from any of the five franchises for any number of consultancy or temporary assistant positions.
Ambitious club London Scottish are also reportedly looking to appoint the McGeechan as their Director of Rugby but news of that offer has seemed to go very quiet while he has been away with the Lions in South Africa.
As for his beloved British and Irish Lions? The 1974 tourist has refused to rule out making a fifth go of it as a coach of the famous touring side but insisted the possiblity of his involvement depended quite heavily on what happens in his career in the next three years.
"What I would say about the appointment of the next coach is that he has to be involved at the sharp end of the game and I do not know what the future holds for me but, if I was not holding down a job in the professional game, I would not be a contender because the game evolves so rapidly and I would be out of touch.
"I love everything they represent and this tour, despite a very narrow defeat in the series, the players have done the jersey proud."
Speaking after having seen his team go down 28-25 in the second test the disappointment on McGeechan's face was clear for everyone to see.
Despite all his experience the dramatic loss in Pretoria was one which he admitted had hit him harder than any other in recent memory.
"I have not felt as low as this after a rugby match for a long, long time."
Interesting stuff - what would you think of McGeechan coaching in the Super 14? Lions 2013? Is he still the man? Let us know what you think...
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