McGeechan lands role as adviser at Gloucester
SIR IAN MCGEECHAN is back in rugby after agreeing to join forces with protege Bryan Redpath at Gloucester.
McGeechan, who led the British Lions on four occasions and also coached Wasps and Scotland, has agreed to join the coaching staff at Kingsholm in an advisory role.
Head coach Redpath worked under McGeechan when playing for Scotland in the early 2000s and admits he has come to view the 63-year-old as something of a mentor.
“I’ve known Geech for many years now and his record speaks for itself,” he said. “In this game, you can’t afford to stand still, you need to keep looking for ways to improve things.
“He is unique in the game of rugby union and the opportunity to work with him and benefit from his knowledge and experience is fantastic.”
McGeechan, meanwhile, is delighted to be back working in top flight rugby and is excited with the task that lies ahead.
“It’s a terrific challenge,” he added. “Gloucester as a club really do have so much potential. I think, as is shown by recent results, that things are certainly moving in the right direction under Bryan and the rest of the coaching staff.
“It’s a great club, a real rugby club with a great stadium and tremendously loyal supporters. My job now is to work with Bryan with the aim of helping Gloucester take the next step and realise their massive potential.
“I’m very excited to be involved. I’ve already been around the training ground and met everyone and can’t wait to get started.”
McGeechan was knighted last month after leading the British Lions on their tour of South Africa for a fourth time last summer.
His first match on the Gloucester staff sees the visit of Harlequins in the Premiership tomorrow, while he also has one eye on the clash with former club Wasps in the quarter-final of the Amlin Challenge Cup in April.