Ian McGeechan has been named as the head coach of the 2009 British and Irish Lions for their tour to South Africa. It will be the Wasps director of rugby's fourth Lions tour as head coach.

Mc Geechan has been involved in a record six Lions tours, twice as a player, once as assistant coach and three times as head coach. He will be looking to repeat the famous series victory over South Africa that he masterminded back in 1997.

Despite not being involved in the Six Nations, the 61-year old Scot was the outstanding candidate to lead the party following the implosion of former favourite Eddie O'Sullivan's Ireland side. The Wales coaching duo Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards are expected to be named on the Lions' coaching team.

The 2009 Lions will play 10 games in South Africa next summer including the three game Test series with the Springboks between June 20 and July 4.

Lions 1997 South Africa