New coaching team at Kelso
Kelso RFC has announced its senior rugby coaching structure for the forthcoming season.
The club declared earlier in the week that Darren Cunningham would be returning to Poynder Park for a third spell as head coach and would be assisted by former Kelso player and Scotland international Kevin Utterson.
Neil Hinnigan is also rejoining the club and takes on the role as director of rugby, after a stint at Heriot’s.
Bruce McNeil is making the move from Hawick in a player-coach capacity, while his brother Keith, and Nikki Little, are also leaving MAnsfield Park to bolster the Kelso pack.
Neil Hinnigan told the Kelso club website: “I am delighted to be back at my home club next season.
“The three seasons I have spent at Heriot’s through the transition to Super 6 has been invaluable experience and I would like to thank them for the opportunity and all the best for next season, when it eventually happens.”
He added: “We have Darren Cunningham taking on the position of head coach and we welcome Bruce McNeil as player/forwards coach. Kevin Utterson will support both coaches and take on the role of backs coach.
“Kev is an old Kelso stalwart in his playing days and boasts a very good career CV, with playing pro rugby for Edinburgh and captain of the Borders Pro team, along with three Scotland caps.
“He is a past captain of Kelso and we are delighted to have Kevin back.”
Hinnigan continued: “Darren Cunningham coming in as head coach is much needed, with his local experience and his qualifications, in rugby, a level 4 coach. That alone is a great coup for the club.
“Bruce McNeil brings huge experience on and off the park. The former Borders player and ex-Hawick captain will be an exciting addition to club.
“Darren Paxton will head up the 2nd XV under a new name for the team and it’s exciting to see the new set-up they will have, as a team and under the One Club banner.”
He concluded: “Kelso, as a club, are a sleeping giant in Scottish rugby and we hope to bring some success and development to the club and the town.
“I hope to see everyone soon, when the world is back to some form of normality, at Poynder Park.”