Leeds-born McGeechan, 61, confirmed yesterday as head coach for a record fourth time, was an assistant coach under Woodward, taking charge of the unbeaten 'midweek team', and he witnessed the pitfalls that results in splitting the party into two categories.

"There will be one coaching team and one group of players," said the former Headingley, Yorkshire, Scotland and Lions player, who used to teach at Moor Grange school in Leeds. "That unity, the need to draw together very quickly, is critical for the Test series.

"I firmly believe you need a very tight group. Everything will be about one group working closely together. What I think is very important is the bond that develops if you're coaching one group of players every day of the tour. Everyone will get the opportunity."

McGeechan, who oversaw series victories in 1989 and 1997, as well as a defeat in 1993, unlikely to use 51 players and 26 backroom staff, as Woodward did, on the 10-match, three-Test tour. He is finalising his coaching assistants over the next two months, with Wales pair Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards expected to be given major roles.

The possibility of former Downing Street spin doctor Alistair Campbell being brought on board again as 'communications manager' is remote.

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith is understood to have been offered the England backs-coach position. Smith, a former Australia and Ireland international, is thought to want the job but he has a year left on his contract with the Exiles, who are unwilling to let their highly-regarded man walk away.

However, head coach Martin Johnson would like Smith to be in place for next month's tour of New Zealand and the RFU usually get their way, even if they have to pay compensation.

Leeds Carnegie have signed Scotland A centre Scott Barrow from Glasgow. The 27-year-old made five Heineken Cup appearances this season, three from the bench.

Barrow, briefly at Rotherham during the turbulent summer of 2004, won a Super League medal with St Helens before switching to rugby union with Worcester and Orrell. He can play fly-half, wing, full-back and centre.

Former Leeds wing David Doherty, 21, has joined Sale from Wasps on a two-year contract. The move could affect Tom Biggs's chances of leaving Leeds – Sale were one of the clubs offering a transfer fee for the Hull-born wing.