Sir Ian McGeechan: Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions head coach says he has prostate cancer

Sir Ian McGeechan: Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions head coach says he has prostate cancer

Sir Ian McGeechan, former Scotland and British and Irish Lions head coach, has revealed that he is battling prostate cancer. The 78-year-old, who won 32 caps for Scotland and captained them nine times, disclosed that he recently completed a six-week course of radiotherapy. McGeechan, currently serving as the consultant director of rugby at Championship club Doncaster Knights, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the significance of regular testing for the disease.

Having achieved great success in his coaching career, McGeechan reminisced about his triumphs with the Lions, including series victories in Australia in 1989 and South Africa in 1997. Despite facing challenges like a series defeat in New Zealand in 1993, he managed to inspire his players to achieve remarkable results. McGeechan’s tenure as Scotland coach in the late 1980s and early 1990s saw him lead the team to a memorable Grand Slam victory in 1990, etching his name in the history books.

In addition to his contributions to the Lions and Scotland, McGeechan enjoyed success at the club level, guiding Wasps to European Cup glory in 2007 and clinching the English Premiership title in 2008. He continued his involvement with the Lions, serving as head coach in 2009 for a series in South Africa and as an assistant coach during the 2005 tour to New Zealand. Despite his health battle, McGeechan remains committed to supporting and encouraging others to prioritize their health and well-being through regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices.

Through his enduring career in rugby, Ian McGeechan has left an indelible mark on the sport, demonstrating leadership, determination, and resilience both on and off the field. His dedication to the game and his commitment to raising awareness about prostate cancer serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive health management. McGeechan’s legacy as a coach and mentor continues to resonate within the rugby community, earning him admiration and respect for his contributions to the sport

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