Move south of border is just the job for ex-Selkirk No 8 Monroe
Selkirk’s Monroe Job has moved south of the border to join English National League One rugby club Bishop’s Stortford.
The 22-year-old No 8 – one of 2023’s three Macphail scholars given five months’ training in South Africa, along with Philiphaugh teammate Callum Smyth and Edinburgh’s Guy Kirkpatrick – has previously played for Melrose’s now-defunct Southern Knights and the South of Scotland inter-district side as well as the Souters.
Former Scotland under-20 international Job is looking forward to swapping what would have been Arnold Clark National League Division 1 next time round following Selkirk’s relegation this year for English rugby’s third tier, saying: “I’m really excited to get going with Bishop’s Stortford and to get stuck into the culture of the club.”
Tom Coleman, the Borderer’s new head coach, is glad to have got him on board as the East Hertfordshire outfit look to improve on their sixth-placed finish last time round, on 77 points from 26 fixtures, saying: “I am really happy to welcome Monroe to the club.
“He is a young talent with excellent leadership qualities.
“I’ve heard nothing but positive things about him from some excellent coaches, which can only bode well.”
Bishop’s Stortford begin next rugby season at home to Bristol’s Dings Crusaders on Saturday, September 5, followed by a visit from London’s Rosslyn Park seven days later.
In between match-days, Job was a development officer for Arnold Clark Premiership club Melrose for the last year and a half and the Greenyards outfit have wished him well the other side of Carter Bar, saying: “After initially starting off his journey at the Greenyards with the Southern Knights, Monroe became a massive part of the Melrose rugby community in his role as development officer.
“From delivering sessions in local schools, running rugby camps and coaching in our academy, he made a huge impact across the last 18 months.
“Monroe will be a massive miss at the club but we wish him all the best as he joins Bishop’s Stortford.
“Thanks for everything, Monroe.”
The Souters have also extended their best wishes to Job, adding: “One familiar face that unfortunately won’t be pulling on the Selkirk blue this season is our very own Monroe Job.
“All the best to Monroe as he embarks on a new challenge this season with Bishop’s Stortford.
“We wish him every success with his new team and good luck for the season ahead.
“We look forward to seeing how you get on.”