Wednesday, May 13, 2009

McGeechan to stand down at Wasps

Ian McGeechan
McGeechan has been director of rugby at Wasps since 2005

Ian McGeechan will step down as director of rugby at Wasps at the end of the season and could take up the same position at London Scottish.

The 62-year-old, who will lead the Lions this summer, was first approached by Scottish at the end of last year.

He has been at Wasps for four years, leading them to Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup triumphs, but they will end this season trophyless.

The Scot is now in negotiations about a consultant's role at the club.

Shaun Edwards, who will be McGeechan's defence coach for the Lions, will remain as the club's head coach, BBC Sport understands.

Wasps are reported to be on the verge of announcing Tony Hanks, a New Zealander who is in charge of Waikato, as their new director of rugby.

Hanks has had two stints with Wasps, including a four-month spell this season when he was called in as cover for McGeechan.

The Scot has been on a sabbatical this season, overseeing preparations for the Lions tour to South Africa and the Lions have been paying his wages.

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The former Scotland coach took over from Warren Gatland as Wasps director of rugby in 2005 and the club has won the Guinness Premiership, Heineken Cup and EDF Energy Cup under his charge.

This season has been a major disappointment though, with Wasps failing to win a trophy for the first time in seven seasons.

They will qualify for the Heineken Cup only if Northampton - who finished above them in the league - lose to Bourgoin in the Challenge Cup final next week.

The club's wealthy new owner, Steve Hayes, believes it is time for a change of direction at Wasps and McGeechan is interested in taking on the lower-profile role at Scottish, BBC Sport understands.

Scottish were promoted to the third tier of English rugby this season and are eager to quickly climb to the Premiership.

ะพ 1:29 AM

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