Former Scotland coach and British & Ireland Lions legend, Ian McGeechan, is encouraging rugby players and young men to get tested after his prostate cancer diagnosis.
At 78, he currently serves as a rugby consultant for Championship Club Doncaster. McGeechan famously led Scotland to a Grand Slam victory in 1990 and directed the Lions in four series, including wins against Australia in 1989 and South Africa in 1997. He also took the team on tours in New Zealand and South Africa in the 1990s and 2000s.
In a conversation with a news outlet, he said, “I have prostate cancer and I’ve just finished six weeks of radiation therapy. I’m okay, a bit more tired than usual, but I’m managing. I sleep well, and at least I think I’ve adjusted. I’ll need to wait six weeks to see how effective the scans and treatment have been.”
He shared that he told his players at Doncaster that he might be absent from meetings and training as he began treatment. When asked about his experience, he responded thoughtfully.
“I don’t want to make a big fuss, but it’s really important to encourage others to get tested,” he emphasized. He made sure to advise his players to take proactive steps in their health.
“When I finished my last treatment, everyone—from the receptionist to the radiologist—was supportive, wishing me well. The atmosphere was quite positive,” he added, reflecting on the encouraging environment.
During his playing days as a fly-half, McGeechan earned 32 caps for Scotland, including nine as captain, and was part of the Lions series in South Africa in 1974, later touring New Zealand in 1977. As a coach, he achieved notable success, including winning the Wasps and the Heineken Cup in 2008.
