LEEDS-born Ian McGeechan is confident he has established a coaching legacy that will carry the British and Irish Lions into a successful future.
After signing off the South Africa series with victory in the third and final Test, ex-Headingley player McGeechan, 62, confirmed he will not be in charge when the Lions head to Australia in 2013.
No man has a greater experience or understanding o
f the Lions than McGeechan, whose association dates back 35 years and seven tours – two as a player, one as assistant coach and four as head.
But McGeechan believes the likes of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards, Graham Rowntree and Rob Howley are now ideally placed to carry that unique Lions' ethos forward.
The Lions may have lost a remarkable Test series 2-1, but succeeded in restoring the credibility that had been so badly damaged in 2005.
"I won't be here as a head coach in four years time, definitely not," said McGeechan, who would be disappointed if the Lions felt the need to return to his door again.
"I think there is some younger management. There is succession. Everybody has brought something to the table. As a group, they should be looking at being able to do that.
"There will be some players and management who will be in Australia in four years time. That's where I think there'll be a legacy. They should be helping to drive the next one.
"Before we got together, I said to the management 'we have to set the standard, we have to set the environment into which these players are coming'.
"This is no doubt the best group and the best organised we have been."
McGeechan will return home and compile a report in conjunction with Lions manager Gerald Davies that will make recommendations for the future. Then he will take a 12-month break.
"I think (the fact I am no longer involved) will hit me when all the talk of the Lions in four years time comes together," said McGeechan.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I just see it as a bonus. It's always been a privilege, I have just had a huge bonus of another tour."
McGeechan described the Test series as the best he has ever been involved in. The Lions won on aggregate points and tries but lost 2-1
The Lions responded to two shattering defeats by recording a record-equalling 28-9 win over the Springboks at Ellis Park, a venue where South Africa had lost just twice in 12 years.
"I think the players take huge credit for the level at which they have performed. It is the best three test matches in terms of quality that I think I have ever been involved in," he said.
"Last Saturday night or Sunday was probably the lowest I have ever felt. It took us two or three days to get over that. We have got a new template now for preparing for a Test match which includes quite a lot of alcohol early in the week!
"The players came back well and were absolutely excellent. The players were very ready for a Test match. They have been absolutely outstanding. I'm really proud of the way they finished it."
