McGeechan staying out of the dugout

Leeds Carnegie have dismissed rumours that Sir Ian McGeechan is set to be named the new head coach of the Championship club.

Reports over the weekend suggested the British and Irish Lions legend, who is executive chairman of the Headingley outfit, was set to take charge of team affairs in the wake of Diccon Edwards’s departure last week.

But the club say the reports are untrue, with McGeechan’s involvement in the process only being as part of the selection committee, along with chief executive Gary Hetherington and director of rugby Chris Gibson.

McGeechan last summer returned to the club he played for when they were known as Headingley, to take up the boardroom role.

It is understood the 66-year-old wishes to remain in that position.

Leeds say they have had much interest in the post, with many applicants having Premiership experience.

The club initially said they would not be rushing into making an appointment, but it is believed they could be reducing that time frame, with an announcement possible before the end of the week.

One name in the frame is understood to be James Lowes, the former Great Britain rugby league international.

Lowes, 43, played for Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos and spent a year as head coach of Warrington Wolves.

He is currently an assistant coach at the Rhinos but has been increasingly working on a coaching basis with Carnegie.

Article source: http://www.northampton-news-hp.co.uk/Sport/Northampton-Saints-RUFC/Rugby-Union-Northampton-Saints-pair-help-England-to-glory-20130624095810.htm

McGeechan staying out of the dugout