O’Sullivan to coach Lions ‘weekend’ team?

There is speculation that Eddie O’Sullivan is being lined up by Clive Woodward to coach the Lions ‘weekend side’ with Woodward adopting the more managerial stance typical of his time with England.

A Planet Rugby article, based on ‘whispers from the Lions’ den’, suggests that Woodward is likely to bring two full coaching teams – one for the weekend or ‘test’ team, and another for the midweek team. The speculation is that O’Sullivan would be given charge of the weekend team, while Ian McGeechan would lead the midweek coaching team.

What is certain is that both O’Sullivan and McGeechan have agreed to go on the tour as part of Woodward’s coaching team. And it might be reasonable to assume that if there is a hierarchy between these two, O’Sullivan, as the one still currently coaching an international side (successfully), is the one on top.

The speculation is that O’Sullivan will have full control of the test team, with support from Andy Robinson and Phil Larder as defensive coach.

The midweek team would be under the control of McGeechan, with support from Gareth Jenkins and Mike Ford as defensive coach.

The position of Andy Robinson is one worth keeping an eye on as well. He is clearly a man that Woodward would like to have alongside him when Woodward announces his support squad of 25 (yes, you did read that correctly!) early in October. However, there is the small matter of an England tour to North America during next summer. The RFU may feel less than enamoured of the idea that their coach is elsewhere at the time.