Lions may go outside home pack for coach

NEXT YEAR’s British and Irish Lions coach could be unveiled in four weeks, with a strong possibility that the candidate could be drawn from outside the current coaches of the four home unions.

The chief executive of British and Irish Lions Ltd, John Feehan, expects a decision to be made early next month, as speculation intensifies on who will lead the Lions on their tour to South Africa next summer.

There is a possibility the Lions committee may opt for someone outside the home unions coaches — including former Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan — though Wasps director of rugby, Ian McGeechan, is favourite to reprise the role for a fourth time.

Former South Africa coach Jake White has already indicated his interest in the position to take on the country he led to World Cup glory in France last October.

2008 Wales Grand Slam-winning coach Warren Gatland has also put forward his name for consideration while there has been lukewarm interest from former French supremo, Bernard Laporte, for the job.

Gatland increased his chances of landing the Lions top job, though he may take a coaching role on a ticket headed by McGeechan, whom he worked with at Wasps between 2002 and 2005.

The Kiwi has adopted a “wait and see” approach, but is mindful that his primary responsibility lies with the Welsh.

“If I was involved with the Lions, great. If I wasn’t, then that wouldn’t be an issue for me either. I am not fussed about it either way. It is not as if I am going to put my hand up saying: ‘Pick me for the Lions, I really want to go.’

“It is nice if you are considered. And if you are not, that is fine as well. I’ve a job to do with the Welsh team.”

McGeechan is a veteran of Lions tours having headed parties in 1989, 1993 and 1997. If appointed to the role, he may be tempted to bring Wasps coach Shaun Edwards and Gatland with him.

Eddie O’Sullivan was a front runner this time last year, but a shambolic World Cup followed by a poor Six Nations eventually saw the Youghal man resign as Ireland head coach.

Frank Hadden (Scotland) and Brian Ashton (England) are other who may be nominated by their unions.

O’Sullivan is, however, expected to be nominated by IRFU representative, Noel Murphy, one of the men who handed the former Ireland coach a four-year contract before the 2007 World Cup.

“We would hope by early May to be in a position to announce the candidate,” said Mr Feehan last night. “The deadline for submissions by unions hasn’t been reached at this stage. It will be early May. It all comes down to who comes forward. We may need more time. It’s not as simple as having someone in place then, either.

“The committee have always reserved the right to not just look at union nominees, but in the event an appropriate individual comes through outside this process, we would then interview an individual or individuals. That’s how it will be done.”

THE LIONS manager, ex-Wales winger, Gerald Davies, has been in situ since November and will sit alongside Lions chairman, Andy Irvine, on the committee to appoint the head coach.

The lucrative exposure that comes with being the Lions shirt sponsor has already been decided, with HSBC the chosen company.

The first game on the provisional 10-game itinerary is against a Highveld XV on May 30, 2009. Also pencilled in are games against the Golden Lions, Free State Cheetahs, Blue Bulls, Western Province, Coastal XV and Junior Boks, while the three tests against the Springboks are set to be fixed for June 20, 27 and July 4.