News in Brief
McGeechan set to be knighted
Scrum.com
December 24, 2009
Lions legend Ian McGeechan is set to be knighted in the New Year Honours List
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- British & Irish Lions legend Ian McGeechan is reportedly set be knighted in the New Year's Honours list for his services to rugby.
A veteran of seven Lions tours, two as a player and five as a coach, McGeechan most recently took charge of the elite tourists for their tour of South Africa earlier this year. As a player he appeared in all four Tests on the triumphant 1974 tour of South Africa and then toured again when the Lions visited New Zealand in 1977. As a coach he was in charge in Australia (1989), New Zealand 1993, South Africa (1997) and again last year. He also toured New Zealand as an assistant coach in 2005.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the Leeds-born Scot was awarded an OBE in 1990 and now follows in the footsteps of England's Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward in being knighted.
- Premiership side London Wasps are to set to move into a purpose-built 20,000-capacity in High Wycombe ahead of the 2014-15 season. The Daily Telegraph reports that logistical difficulties at Adams Park and a capacity of 10,000 have restricted their plans for expansion.
"The move is now very much on the cards and represents a key part of the jigsaw," said Wasps chairman Mark Rigby told the newspaper. "We had another very productive meeting with Wycombe Council this morning and are close to agreeing terms. We'd hope to be up-and-running in time for the start of the 2014-15 season.
"Adams Park is a lovely setting but it has its limitations. We have always been confident about punching our weight on the field and this project will enable us to deliver relative to our competitors off-the-field.''
- All Blacks winger Lelia Masaga has signed with Bay of Plenty until 2011, Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Jeremy Curragh has revealed.
Masaga, 23, made his All Blacks debut against Italy in Christchurch earlier this year. He has been a member of the Chiefs team since 2006, has played 42 Super 14 rugby games and scored 21 tries. Curragh said it was pleasing to sign a player of Masaga's quality.
"To attract a player of Lelia's calibre is fantastic and proves that the Bay can provide the right environment for players to make the All Blacks."
Masaga played his Air New Zealand Cup rugby for Counties Manukau this season.
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1. Max Verstappen ()
