Ibanez can take over where Dallaglio left off, says McGeechan

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The England and Wasps stalwart retired in May having guided his beloved club to their fifth Premiership crown since he joined them as a teenager.

Director of rugby McGeechan, who will coach the British and Irish Lions in South Africa next summer, has handed former France skipper Raphael Ibanez the unenviable job of filling Dallaglio's captaincy shoes.

Speaking at yesterday's Guinness Premiership launch, McGeechan insisted Ibanez will handle Dallaglio's departure and move the club on to even greater heights.

"It was so important to have someone as experienced as Raphael to take over from Lawrence," McGeechan said.

"He has the respect of the players. Lawrence will be about doing some business stuff but it is important now for the players to take on the legacy he has left.

"Someone like Simon Shaw will also take on that responsibility now as one of the key, experienced players who has been there for more than a decade.

"Guys like James Haskell and Tom Rees are maturing and they should be making a real mark in the game."

Meanwhile, McGeechan is confident Danny Cipriani is recovering ahead of schedule from the broken leg he suffered in May.

"Danny is running again and by November he should be there or there abouts for a return."

If the 20-year-old fly-half can make a full recovery he is certain to be in the frame for a Lions place come the end of the season.

McGeechan will confirm his coaching team for the three-Test tour by October, with Wasps coach Shaun Edwards and Wales boss Warren Gatland expected to be involved.

He said: "A successful coaching team is all about getting the chemistry right. You need people who enjoy working together."