Scots plan global hunt for coach

SCOTTISH rugby chiefs last night promised a worldwide search in their quest to replace Ian McGeechan as national coach.

McGeechan, the three-times Lions supremo who masterminded Test series triumphs against Australia and South Africa, will relinquish his post after next year's World Cup.

McGeechan is to take over from Jim Telfer as Scotland's director of rugby following the global spectacular Down Under.

Telfer, 63 next year, will retire a decision influenced by him wanting to spend more time with his family.

''We intend to advertise worldwide for the position of Scotland coach, the post becoming available after the World Cup,'' said Bill Watson, Scottish Rugby's chief executive.

''The other coaches and staff involved with the national team are all under contract until the World Cup, and we are keen to ensure whoever succeeds Ian can utilise the depth of knowledge we currently enjoy.''

McGeechan's back-room team includes the likes of former Scotland fly-half John Rutherford and ex-Samoan Test skipper Pat Lam.

But a global recruitment drive could attract significant interest, with Watson and company seemingly not immune to making an overseas appointment.

''At this stage, we do not have a specific candidate in mind,'' said 56-year-old McGeechan, who is in his second spell as Scotland coach, having held the job between 1988 and 1993.

''But my successor will be someone who has vast experience of professional rugby and coaching at the highest levels of the game.''

McGeechan's shoes will take some filling, given his Lions achievements and a Scotland career that included a Five Nations Grand Slam in 1990 and fourth place at the 1991 World Cup.

''We see great strength in the experience that Ian has here in Scotland and also on the world stage, and that is why we are delighted to announce he will succeed Jim (Telfer),'' said Watson.

''Ian is unique the only man to coach three successive Lions tours, and the man who coached Scotland to the Grand Slam in 1990 and fourth place in the 1991 World Cup.

''He also has a very firm understanding of the commercial realities of the game from his time as director of rugby at Northampton Saints.

''If you were to write a spec for your ideal candidate as next director of rugby, then Ian McGeechan would score top marks in every category.''

Although Telfer, whose contribution to Scottish and British rugby is legendary, will retire, he has offered his services in an advisory capacity.

''We are very fortunate to have been the major beneficiaries of Jim's huge service to the global game of rugby, and our objective is to build our rugby from the strengths he has created,'' said Watson.

Telfer added: ''At the end of the 2003 World Cup, I will have been in post for 10 years, and so it seems a natural time to step down.

''I have been privileged to have been involved directly with some of the most dramatic changes in the union game in Scotland, and I hope that Scottish rugby is moving forward at all levels with confidence.''