Mcgeechan ‘on mend’ after falling ill at stadium

Sir Ian Mcgeechan, the four-times British and Irish Lions head coach, has been discharged from hospital following a health scare ahead of Saturday’s second Test in Wellington.

Mcgeechan, 70, is in New Zealand as an analyst for Sky Sports but fell ill a few hours before kick-off. He collapsed at the Westpac Stadium.

He was able to walk to the ambulance and was taken to Wellington Hospital before being discharged on Saturday after precautionary checks. It is hoped he will be back analysing the final Test for Sky.

The New Zealand Herald reported that the local ambulance service were called at 3:48pm to attend a man who had collapsed. He was taken to hospital in a moderate condition.

“He’s a bit under the weather but we all wish him a speedy recovery,” said Gus Williamson, head of Sky Sports rugby.

Mcgeechan, a Scotland international, also played eight Tests for the Lions as a centre between 1974 and 1977.

Williamson added: “When he arrived and gave his name and date of birth they found he had a New Zealand medical number from a visit to a Christchurch hospital in 1977 Tour!”

Mcgeechan’s daughter, Heather, gave an update on her father’s condition on Twitter. She posted: “Spoken to my dad, Geech and he is fine, just a bug. Thank you everyone for all your best wishes x”.

Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne said: “He is on the mend. We’re delighted to say he’s making slow and steady progress. We hope to have him with us next week.”