McGeechan clear for Lions role

Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Phil Anderton has cleared a path for director of rugby Ian McGeechan to link up with the Lions tour next summer.

Tourists’ coach Clive Woodward wants McGeechan to help the coaching staff on the tour of New Zealand next year.

Now, after the appointment of new SRU commercial and marketing director and director of professional rugby Keith Grainger, the SRU chief insists he is ready for the temporary departure of McGeechan in 2005.

Anderton said: “We are planning for next year and will have the right management structures in place to accommodate the fact a number of employees could potentially be involved in the British and Irish tour.”

The arrival of Grainger has signalled the end of the chief executive roles at the three professional clubs in a cost-cutting measure.

Jim McKenzie at Edinburgh, Glasgow’s David Jordan and Alastair Cranston of The Borders have all seen their roles with the SRU disappear.

The head coaches of the three teams will now be accountable to McGeechan, while Grainger has been charged with looking at ways of raising revenue at the clubs.

Anderton said: “His (Grainger’s) involvement in the professional teams will be limited to off-field activities.

“He will look at trying to drive up commercial income and make them more attractive.

“On the field, the coaches, physios and players will work under Ian McGeechan.

“It’s important we have that structure to get us through these difficult days.

“It’s imperative we have a strong leadership at the top of Scottish rugby.

“With Keith, we will be looking at the current structures of the professional teams to make sure, off the field, we are attractive.”

Mike Keohane has been appointed as SRU director of corporate affairs to improve communications and enhance the reputation of Scottish rugby.