McGeechan goes into battle for his nephew

Video: Wasps and England stars Josh Lewsey, Danny Cipriani and James Haskell, looking forward to the start of the new season

"When Phil was in Afghanistan you were always concerned," said his uncle. "Neil was in constant contact with him and some of the stories coming back made you realise he was in some pretty hairy situations."

McGeechan, who will lead the Lions on tour to South Africa next year after another season of Premiership rugby with Wasps, isimmensely proud of what 28-year-old Phil and his fellow Marines have been dealing with. That is why he is giving total support to the Help for Heroes match at Twickenham on 20 September, designed to raise £ 1million for a new swimming pool and gym complex at the tri-services rehabilitation centre at Headley Court in Surrey.

"It's right that rugby gets involved," McGeechan said. "The last thing we should be doing is giving them a second-rate environment to come back to. We should be treating them like heroes." Military matters have always been close to the McGeechans' hearts and their service record stretches right back the Boer War.

"My grandfather and father were in the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders," said McGeechan. "Phil is continuing the family's link with the military. There is an affinity between the military and rugby because it's all about trusting your mates, both physically and mentally." For Phil, the support rugby is giving the Help for Heroes campaign is very poignant as the game enables him to take his mind off the almost daily contact with the enemy in Afghanistan.

He said: "Coming back from a tour, just enjoying watching Wasps and chatting with uncle Ian was a great way to wind down. When you are in a Forward Operating Base contact with home is restricted.

"Dad was keeping me up to date with how Wasps were going in the Premiership and my uncle told me about getting to coach the Lions in South Africa again.

"I am hoping to be out there on the tour with some friends and we have been given leave to attend the match."

It remains to be seen whether McGeechan is going to use his links with the Marines to get his Lions battle-hardened for the three Tests in South Africa. He said: "England have used their training base in the past but the Lions will be pretty tight for time at the end of the season."

Tickets for the Help for Heroes Challenge match can be purchased from Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2492 Family tickets are £50.