McGeechan: 'It has always been a privilege'
Lions legend Ian McGeechan is confident he has established a coaching legacy that will carry the famous touring side into a successful future.
After signing off the South Africa series with victory in the third and final Test, McGeechan, 62, confirmed he will not be in charge when the Lions head to Australia in 2013.
No man has a greater experience or understanding of the Lions than McGeechan, whose association dates back 35 years and seven tours - two as a player, one as assistant coach and four as head.
But McGeechan believes the likes of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards, Graham Rowntree and Rob Howley are now ideally placed to carry that unique Lions' ethos forward.
The Lions may have lost a remarkable Test series 2-1 but succeeded in restoring the credibility that had been so badly damaged in 2005.
"I won't be here as a head coach in four years time, definitely not," said McGeechan, who would be disappointed if the Lions felt the need to return to his door again.
"I think there is some younger management. There is succession.
"Everybody has brought something to the table. As a group they should be looking at being able to do that.
"There will be some players and management who will be in Australia in four years time. That's where I think there'll be a legacy. They should be helping to drive the next one.
"Before we got together I said to the management 'we have to set the standard, we have to set the environment into which these players are coming'.
"This is no doubt the best group and the best organised we have been."
McGeechan will return home on Monday and compile a report in conjunction with Lions manager Gerald Davies that will make recommendations for the future. Then he will take a 12-month sabbatical.
"I think [the fact I am no longer involved] will hit me when all the talk of the Lions in four years time comes together," said McGeechan.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I just see it as a bonus. It has always been a privilege, I have just had a huge bonus of another tour."
McGeechan's main campaign is to secure the Lions more preparation time with the players. He also believes a coach should be available to assist with planning a tour and the itinerary from at least a year out.
"Just because the Lions have been around for a long time doesn't mean it's old fashioned or out of tune. Speak to any of the players. There is nothing bigger than this. That includes World Cups in the players' eyes," said McGeechan.
"The people who run the game, particularly the four home unions, have to take that into account. And the clubs. They have to understand there needs to be an integrated model for a Lions season. I don't think that should be beyond the wit of people to arrange that.
"The only two major things on the IRB calendar are the World Cup and the Lions tours.
"I would hope after this tour there is a lot of empathy with what's happened. Even in a professional, business sense. If you can take 40,000 people 6,000 miles to watch a rugby team then that is not a bad business model."
McGeechan described the Test series as the best he has ever been involved in. The Lions won on aggregate points and tries but lost two Tests to one.
The Lions responded to two shattering defeats by recording a record-equalling 28-9 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park, a venue where South Africa had lost just twice in 12 years.
"I think the players take huge credit for the level at which they have performed. It is the best three test matches in terms of quality that I think I have ever been involved in," he said.
"Last Saturday night or Sunday was probably the lowest I have ever felt. It took us two or three days to get over that.
"We have got a new template now for preparing for a Test match which includes quite a lot of alcohol early in the week!
"The players came back well and were absolutely excellent. The players were very ready for a Test match. They have been absolutely outstanding. I'm really proud of the way they finished it.
"I said to them 'we're carrying a Lions jersey forward for four years' and that should help the legacy going forward to the next group who turn up in Australia in four years."
Five highlights of Ian McGeechan's Lions career:
The Scotsman's association with the Lions dates back seven tours to 1974, when he was a member of the 'Invincibles' that toured South Africa unbeaten.
June 22, 1974 (Pretoria)
South Africa 9 Lions 28: The 'Invincibles' won the 1974 Test series 3-0 with one draw and McGeechan played in all four Tests. The Lions ran the Springboks ragged in the second Test, recording a record victory with five tries.
July 15, 1989 (Sydney)
Australia 18 Lions 19: On his first tour as head coach, McGeechan presided over a remarkable turnaround as the Lions came from 1-0 down to win the series. Triumph was sealed in Sydney, when David Campese threw a wild pass and Ieuan Evans pounced to score the winning try.
June 26, 1993 (Wellington)
New Zealand 7 Lions 20: The Lions were denied victory in the first Test by a controversial late penalty but hit back to level the series with one of the best performances seen in New Zealand, forged by an impressive forwards display and capped by a stunning Rory Underwood try.
June 28, 1997 (Durban)
South Africa 15 Lions 18: The Lions were given little chance against the world champions but won the first Test 25-16 and then produced an immense defensive performance at King's Park. Jeremy Guscott landed the series-clinching drop-goal after five penalties from Neil Jenkins.
July 4, 2009 (Johannesburg)
South Africa 9 Lions 28: Back in South Africa, the Lions were beaten 26-21 and 28-25 in two tumultuous Test matches as the Springboks won the series. But the Lions refused to crumble and produced a remarkable performance in McGeechan's final Test to equal the record victory from 1974.
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