Selkirk sign South African prop

Selkirk skipper Ross Nixon welcomes Lwondo Mabenge to Philiphaugh. Picture: Grant Kinghorn

Selkirk RFC have taken big steps to bolster their squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with local rivals Gala at Netherdale (3pm).

South African prop Lwando Mabegme was welcomed to Philiphaugh on Tuesday night by captain Ross Nixon and will start on the bench in this weekend’s crunch tie.

The 24-year-old is from Port Elizabeth where he has been playing for the border club.

This timely arrival came just days after former SRU and Selkirk RFC president Bert Duffy commented: “You cannot win matches without big fellas.” Which proved tellingly true as the Philphaugh men lost out in the physical battle with Melrose in their ninth consecutive defeat of the championship.