Lions consist of Wasps and Dragons
October 22 2008
Naming the B&I Lions coaching team on Wednesday was a mild tonic for Ian McGeechan considering his current trials and tribulations at Wasps, and there are plenty of Wasps present in the line-up, with plenty of Welsh international experience.
Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards, Rob Howley, and Craig White are the key coaches on the tour next summer. All four either have current or recent links with Wasps, and Gatland, Edwards and Howley are the current Welsh coaching team.
Edwards will take charge of the defence, Gatland the forwards, and Howley the backs.
The group will be joined in the management team by White (ex-Wasps fitness expert) responsible for the Physical Conditioning of the players; Doctor James Robson leading the medical team; Rhys Long (ex-Wasps game analyst) to oversee Performance Analysis; and Greg Thomas to head the media team.
There are no surprises, with McGeechan opting for familiar, tried and trusted lieutenants for his operation, and confirming his intent to ensure that the coaching staff oversees both midweek and Test sides as opposed to separate coaching teams for the two teams.
It's a philosophy in marked contrast to that of Sir Clive Woodward in 2005. Woodward wanted everything and anything, McGeechan is looking at a far more streamlined project.
The ten-match, three-Test tour, begins on May 30, with the first Test on June 20.
"Today is an important milestone in our preparation. The personnel announced today have the proven skill sets to ensure that the Lions squad is well prepared for the tour to South Africa next year," said Tour Manager Gerald Davies.
"The cosmopolitan make-up of the management team reflects the modern nature of Rugby and they like me are well aware of the challenges that await us."
McGeechan was at pains to point out that the coaches had experience across the board of the four home unions, a big plus.
"Lions tours are unique as we have to meld together players from four different countries," he said.
"There has to be a unified, common approach on the tour with coaches and players working together.
"We therefore have to create a positive environment and appoint the right personnel to help devise the right strategies to take on the Springboks at home.
"I am delighted with today's appointments and confident that we can come together quickly as preparation time is always short.
"Working with coaches and personnel that I know well and who have successful track records and experience ensures that we will get the best out of the players and provide the greatest chance of winning the Test series."
More to follow...