In a momentous stride towards a new era during the club’s 150th Anniversary year, Doncaster Knights have unveiled the appointment of Sir Ian McGeechan as Consultant Director of Rugby.
Join our Breaking News WhatsApp Group
The decorated rugby luminary is set to play a pivotal role in mentoring Head Coach Joe Ford, steering the club towards a transformative future.
Sir Ian’s illustrious career encompasses not only a distinguished playing history – including captaining Scotland on nine occasions – but also a highly successful coaching tenure. His impact resonates across prominent rugby entities such as Scotland, the British & Irish Lions, Northampton Saints, and London Wasps. Recognized for his outstanding service to the sport, he was awarded an OBE in 1990 and knighted in 2010.
Expressing enthusiasm about the appointment, Steve Lloyd, President of the Doncaster Knights, remarked on the enduring relationship with Sir Ian. Lloyd highlighted their joint efforts to enhance Championship rugby and their shared passion for Yorkshire rugby. He stated, “Ian, or Geech to all who know him, very willingly agreed to come and give us a hand creating the future at Castle Park.”
Lloyd emphasized the club’s unwavering commitment to development, stating, “We continue to be focused on development at Doncaster Knights, whether that be players, coaches or the club itself.” He added, “I cannot think of a better mentor for Head Coach Joe Ford or a better fount of knowledge for the whole team and the club’s development generally.”
With Sir Ian McGeechan at the helm, Doncaster Knights are poised for a period of growth and success, solidifying their standing as a formidable force in the rugby arena.
Four players who’ve been blacklisted by England boss Steve Borthwick
Rumour has it that Head Coach Borthwick has shifted focus from a number of aging stars, who have disclosed their plans for next season.
Zach Mercer
Mercer, has declared that he’s taking a break from England duty for the time being, expressing his disappointment at being excluded from the upcoming Six Nations Championship squad.
Mercer said: “I’ve been open with Steve, I’ve told him my opinions on it. I thought I haven’t really been given a crack which is what I feel like, to not even be given a game to try and prove myself is tough.
“I just don’t feel like he values what I can offer as a player and that’s me being honest, I don’t think he values what I can bring.
“Obviously I don’t fit into the system that he wants to run and, whether I agree with that or not, it is what it is.
“My focus now is on Gloucester and England can take a step aside for the moment.”
Borthwick response:
“Zach and I had a conversation last week. We’ve had a number of conversations over the last couple of weeks with Zach since he’s come back from injury.
“We’ve highlighted areas where players have done well and the areas where they bring a point of difference. It’s a competitive arena.
“And [we highlight] areas where we want them to develop them and add to their game. That’s the same conversation I had with Zach.
“When I’m talking to a player, I’m basing it in objectivity. I’m basing it on targets for them to go after, and then we can shape a shared understanding of what we’re seeing.
“Granted, sometimes as a coach you want something specific in a team, I’m always looking at all the coaches and all the players that are able to provide that.”