Former Melrose and Border Reivers star Kelly Brown quitting Glasgow Warriors role after matter of months

Former Earlston High School pupil Brown, appointed as breakdown and contact area coach for the Glaswegians last August, is giving up that job and returning to London as his family have struggled to settle in in the city due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions in force since then, he said.

The Edinburgh-born 38-year-old said: “Relocating during the pandemic had been a real challenge.

“We moved north in the summer and, since arriving, my family have struggled to settle in Glasgow.

“An opportunity has come up down south, and for the wellbeing of my family, we have taken the decision to return.

“My family’s happiness is my number one priority, and we have taken the difficult decision to return to London to be closer to where my children grew up and where their friends are.

“Glasgow Warriors will always have a special place in my heart, and I’d like to thank Glasgow and Scottish Rugby for the opportunity and understanding they have shown towards my family and me. It’s a great club to be have been involved with and I believe they have a strong future ahead.”

Head coach Danny Wilson said: “We are understanding of Kelly’s situation and family has to come first.

“It’s a shame to see Kelly go, especially after such a short period of time with us. However, we are completely understanding of the position he is in and wish him well.”

Former Scotland captain Brown was brought up in Melrose and started his sporting career with his home-town club, going on to play for Border Reivers from 2005 to 2007, Glasgow Warriors from 2007 to 2010 and London’s Saracens from 2010 to 2017.

He was capped for Scotland 64 times between 2005 and 2017, captaining the side 14 times.