Scotland coach Jim Telfer has hailed his successor Ian McGeechan as the "top coach in the world". McGeechan, who quit as rugby director at Northampton to sign a four-year contract, will succeed Telfer as full-time Scotland coach after this autumn's Rugby World Cup.

And Telfer reckons the Scottish Rugby Union have got the right man for the job of building on winning the Five Nations Championship.

"The fashion these days is to go for a Southern Hemisphere man, but Ian is simply the top coach in the world," said Telfer. "He is perceptive and innovative and has been at the cutting edge of coaching in world terms.

"Moreover, he's a Scot and he understands how we Scots think, so it was a straightforward decision to ask Ian to take charge of Scotland."

McGeechan, who steered Scotland to a famous Grand Slam triumph in 1990 during his first spell as national coach, is relishing the challenge ahead. "I've always enjoyed international rugby," said the only man to coach three British Lions teams.

"The buzz never goes away. It's simply great to have the opportunity to be part of it again and there is a sense of excitement, innovation, and enthusiasm about the Scotland squad right now.

"I must admit I relish the challenge of international rugby. That was very evident to me during the 1997 British Lions tour of South Africa, a trip which made me realise just how much I enjoy that sort of atmosphere."

McGeechan, who has been with Northampton for five seasons and steered them into second place in the English Premiership One last season, paid tribute to Northampton chairman Keith Barwell for releasing him from his director of rugby post with the Saints.

"I would not have been able to do this had it not been for Keith Barwell. He recognised that my heart was in the Scotland job and allowed me to go.

"I am honoured to accept this post - the only position that would take me away from Northampton."

McGeechan, who takes on his new duties in August, will support Telfer and assistant coaches John Rutherford and Hugh Campbell during the World Cup.