Ian McGeechan was a fine midfield general for Scotland for eight seasons, equally at home at fly-half where he won twelve of his 32 caps and at centre. Yet it was with the British and Irish Lions that he has reserved an unique place in the history of the game. After two tours, 30 games and eight tests as a player - to South Africa in 1974 and New Zealand three years later - he returned as head coach in three more tours and as an assistant on a fourth. He masterminded the defeat of the Wallabies in 1989 and the Springboks in 1997 and only lost the series against the All Blacks in 1993 in a third test decider in Auckland. In 2005 he returned to New Zealand as a member of Sir Clive Woodward’s coaching staff and guided the midweek team to five consecutive wins and an unbeaten record. His playing career had been equally successful, featuring at centre outside Phil Bennett for the all-conquering 1974 Lions and dropping a goal in the resounding 28-9 second test win over South Africa. Ian also coached Scotland to their epic Five Nations’ Grand Slam in 1990, sealed with the 13-7 victory over England in the Calcutta Cup match at Murrayfield.

Greatest Moment

Confirming his credentials as a world-class coach in 1989 when the British Isles bounced back after losing the first test against Australia to win the series 2-1.

Interesting Facts

Ian was another deadly drop-goal expert, kicking seven for Scotland, including three in his first four international matches.

Career Status

1972-1979

Test Caps
Test Points
Test tries
Penalties
Conversions
Drop Goals