Former Scotland and Lions boss Sir Ian McGeechan reveals cancer diagnosis

Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan has urged rugby players and all younger men to get themselves tested after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The 78-year-old, who is currently consultant director of rugby at Doncaster, led Scotland to the Five Nations Grand Slam in 1990 and oversaw series victories as the Lions boss in 1989 and 1997.

Leeds-born McGeechan told the Telegraph: “I have prostate cancer. I have just completed a six-week course of radiotherapy.

“I feel alright, really, just a bit more tired. I always sleep well anyway so it has probably just added to it. I have to wait six weeks then have scans and a review of how effective the treatment has been.

“I have told the players here (at Doncaster) before the treatment started because there would be times when I would not be around for meetings or on the training field with them. The players have asked me how it is going and have been very good.

“I don’t want to make a big thing of it, but it is important to get the message out about urging people to go and get tested. I said that to our players here. I said to them that they make sure they get themselves tested. If you are younger, it is more important.

“When I had my last treatment, from the receptionist to the radiographer, they all said, ‘Well done, good luck, have a happy time’. Everyone. That support and the environment is so positive. What will be, will be.”

As a fly-half McGeechan won 32 Scotland caps including nine as captain and won the 1974 Lions series in South Africa before touring again with the side in New Zealand in 1977.