Noble gesture by Gala amid coaching reshuffle

Noble, former Gala Academy head of PE and health and wellbeing – who left The Greenyards at the same time as Stuart Johnson’s surprise departure earlier this month from Melrose Rugby as head coach – brings a wealth of knowledge and ability to personal and rugby development.

He’ll be tasked with enhancing the integration and development across all levels of rugby in Galashiels, in addition to his focus on the club’s first team.

The Maroons have also confirmed Fraser Thomson, Opeta (OP) Palepoi, Euan Dods and John Amos

as part of a coaching team with a blend of youth and experience.

Thomson – who will lead the new coaching set-up – is well known to Gala, having started his career at

the club before going on to have a successful playing career for Melrose.

He is currently a contracted player with the Southern Knights and will be balancing playing for them with coaching until Super Six

season two is concluded.

OP has been with Gala for several years, as player and coach, and is well respected within the local rugby community. He will continue his association with the club within this revised coaching structure.

Dods, the current Gala captain, will take on a formal player-coaching role, while Amos will continue to provide individual skills coaching.

Further appointments are due to be announced prior to the start of the 2020-21 season.

“Gala’s revised coaching structure has been put in place with an overarching focus to build and

develop rugby throughout the town, as well as drive the success of the first team,” said Noble.

“This new position will undoubtedly be tough at times but I’m confident it will also be rewarding.

“I believe we have a good blend of local coaches, who have strong connections with Gala and who

have a wealth of rugby knowledge between them. We look forward to preparing and working with

the players in the squad and meeting any challenges the new season may bring.”

Ian Dalgleish, Gala Rugby president said: “These appointments provide the club with a very strong

rugby management team to take forward and develop our squad of young local players to the level

they are capable of achieving.

“We’ve been consulting with our former professional players, as well as other key individuals, in

order to update the approach to rugby in the town and we have realistic aspirations.

“We believe these positive coaching developments will help drive the club’s ambition, strengthen our position

within the club game and engage all levels of rugby in the town as we strive towards the goal of a

successful, sustainable and community driven club – something we’d already started to work

towards with the launch of Maroon’d @ Gala event, which will now take place in April 2021.”