Former Saints coach McGeechan taken ill on Lions tour

Former Saints coach Sir Ian McGeechan is recovering from 'a bug' in Wellington Hospital after falling ill at Westpac Stadium while covering the British and Irish Lions.
Sir Ian McGeechanSir Ian McGeechan
Sir Ian McGeechan

The 70-year-old, who has been working as part of Sky Sports’ team in New Zealand, was taken by ambulance to hospital before Saturday’s game.

The four-time Lions head coach, who also played eight Tests for the tourists as a centre, walked himself to the ambulance before being transferred to hospital.

McGeechan’s daughter, Heather, allayed fears of any serious issues via her Twitter account.

Responding to a number of journalists, pundits and former players, Heather McGeechan (@heathermcgeech1) tweeted: “@PaulMorganrugby @robvickerman @BenKay5 spoken to my dad, Geech and he is fine, just a bug. Thank you everyone for all your best wishes x.”

Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne, speaking at half-time in the second Test, said: “He is on the mend. We’re delighted to say he’s making slow and steady progress. We hope to have him with us next week.”