Experienced and familiar coaching team takes the reins at Melrose

The appointments comprise many familiar local names with strong track records in leadership and experience.

Joint directors of rugby at Melrose, Rob Moffat and Colin Meager, are confident the new structure will inspire and energise all players at all levels within the Melrose Rugby family, and create a ‘one-club’ environment that everyone can feel proud to be part of.

Bruce Ruthven arrives as head coach from a year’s spell in the same position at Watsonians. He replaces Stuart Johnson, who left abruptly last month after a difference of views with Moffat and Meager over the future direction of the club, and was quickly signed up as forwards coach by Hawick.

Ruthven is no stranger to the Greenyards, having appeared for the 1st XV side 196 times, with two seasons as captain.

In addition to his illustrious playing career, Bruce has coached all age-grade and Scotland development squads and is currently rugby co-ordinator at Erskine Stewart Melville College.

Commenting on his appointment, Rob Moffat said: “Bruce’s rugby leadership and development credentials are second to none.

“We’re so happy to have him on board to spearhead the new coaching team. He is a local lad with a really impressive CV, a great deal of passion and an energy that we know will be contagious and inspirational.

“We can’t wait for him to get stuck in and start getting the very best out of our talented and enthusiastic pool of players. I’m really looking forward to working closely with him and assisting with coaching.”

Ruthven will be assisted by an exceptionally strong and capable support team, who are all raring to go and all share in his desire to create a progressive, encouraging, and motivational rugby environment.

Gordon Smith is Melrose born and bred, and is sure to be a real fan favourite, as well as someone all players respect.

He has extensive coaching experience in Scotland and in New Zealand, where he lived between 1980 and 2018. Most recently, Smith has been supporting Ruthven at Watsonians as Forwards Coach.

Graeme Dodds needs no introduction to Melrose Rugby fans. He is a hugely successful product of the Melrose system, having started as a young lad in the minis back in 1990, all the way through to representing the 1st XV team an incredible 306 times over 15 seasons.

“We’re really excited that Graeme is re-joining the Melrose ranks as a coach” said Colin Meager.

“He is someone all young players with ambition can relate to and aspire to be like. His enthusiasm and experience will be a great benefit to us all as we look to strengthen the developmental stepping-stone opportunities that he has proved worked so well for him.”

Bert Grigg is a UKCC Level 3 coach and the current SRU rugby development officer for Berwickshire, responsible for developing coaches in the area through interactive sessions and mentoring.

As well as his impressive coaching experience, Grigg is also part of the SRU Performance Pathway from U14s to U20s within the FOSROC Borders and East Lothian Academy.

His youth development experience will be an invaluable asset to Melrose as it looks to identify and nurture local talent, and provide stepping-stone opportunities for those players with the ability and the right attitude.

Dougie Dodds started with minis at Melrose in 1994 and made his 1st XV debut in 2006, making 30 appearances for the 1st XV as a utility back. He captained Melrose Storm for three seasons and also coached them.