Borderer Bryan Redpath standing down as director of rugby at London Scottish

The former Melrose scrum-half has been at the English Champ Rugby club since April 2022 but is now bowing out, citing work commitments outwith sport as his reason for moving on.

The Richmond club credit the Galashiels-born 54-year-old, also head of partnerships at London-based finance firm Jackson Swiss Partners, with saving them from relegation in his first season in charge, overseeing an 11th-placed finish in a table of 12 in 2023 on 26 points from 22 fixtures.

Since then, they’ve ended up ninth in 2024 and last year, on 35 points from 20 games and 51 from 22 respectively, and they’re currently 13th of 14, on 29 from 19, with seven games left to play, starting with a derby away to table-toppers Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday, March 21, and concluding with a visit from tenth-placed Caldy on Saturday, May 9, both 3pm kick-offs.

Announcing his departure, Redpath, capped 60 times for Scotland between 1993 and 2003, skippering for 21 of those games, said: “With a heavy heart, this will be my final season with Scottish.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to board members, sponsors and supporters for their continued support over the past four seasons.

“The biggest thank-you is to the all the players who have played for the club for their support. It’s because of you lads that I stayed the four years but sadly now my other work commitments have taken their toll.”

Club president Stephen Pearson added: “I want to thank Bryan for his exceptional dedication and work at the club. From everyone who is associated with London Scottish, we wish you all the best going forward.

“He has been a pleasure to work with for the past three and a half seasons and delivered some fantastic results in difficult circumstances.”

Redpath’s other clubs as a player were Manchester’s Sale Sharks and France’s Narbonne and he’s previously coached at Gloucester, Sale and Yorkshire Carnegie.