McGeechan named Bath performance director

McGeechan says England could be contenders in New Zealand (GETTY IMAGES)

Sir Ian McGeechan has been appointed as Bath's new performance director.

The four-time British and Irish Lions head coach will begin his two-year deal with the Guinness Premiership club on July 12.

McGeechan, who has been out of rugby since leaving Wasps after the 2009 Lions tour, will work alongside Bath head coach Steve Meehan.

"I am delighted to become part of a club that is developing the infrastructure on and off the pitch to achieve long-term success and become one of the strongest clubs in the Europe," said McGeechan, who has previously worked in the Premiership at Wasps and Northampton.

"I am really looking forward to working with Steve Meehan, Martin Haag and Brad Davis as well as the academy and the strength and conditioning teams to assist wherever I can to ensure that this squad and club continues to grow from strength to strength."

McGeechan coached the Lions to series wins against Australia in 1989 and South Africa in 1997 and he was in charge for Scotland's 1990 Grand Slam triumph.

At club level, McGeechan won the Heineken Cup, the Premiership and the Anglo-Welsh Cup during his successful stint in charge at Wasps.

McGeechan briefly acted in an advisory capacity at Gloucester last season but his role at Bath is a hands-on return to the game.

Bath's new owner Bruce Craig recruited McGeechan in a bid to bring major honours back to the club for the first time since the 1998 Heineken Cup.

McGeechan has replaced psychologist John Neal, who joined Bath at the start of last season as performance coach but has not had his contract renewed.

"As part of our continued commitment to the success of Bath rugby, we are delighted that Sir Ian will be joining us," said Bruce.

"His contribution to rugby union is unrivalled and he has been at the forefront of rugby development for many years now - really, he needs no introduction.

"Ian will become an integral part of our management set-up, enhancing an already well established and successful coaching team and working with head coach Steve Meehan to nurture and enhance the talent and performance of the whole squad."