Title-winning South of Scotland head coach Matty Douglas glad of distraction from sacking by Hawick

South of Scotland head coach Matty Douglas talking to his players during their 27-25 win against Glasgow and the West in rugby's national inter-district championship at Kelso's Poynder Park last month (Photo: Steve Cox)

Douglas, 28, was told during the South’s inter-district campaign by the Greens that he wouldn’t be getting his contract as head coach renewed for next season but still managed to notch up three wins out of three.

He’s now issued a statement telling of his gratitude to have been given the chance of moonlighting with the South after getting that shock news.

“I look forward to the next challenge and am thankful for the opportunity to have been head coach of the South over the past few weeks, which has been a welcome distraction and a fresh challenge,” he said.

“I was once again lucky enough to have more success with the South winning the inter-district championship last weekend after winning all three of our matches.”

Douglas’s championship squad included ten of his players with the South and he’s wishing them all the best for the rest of their club season, starting with a Scottish cup semi-final at home to Currie Chieftains this Saturday.

“I have had huge support from the players, many club members and supporters, and as a lifelong Hawick man, I will continue to support my home-town club, especially during this vital end-of-season period,” he said.

“I wish the club and the players nothing but the best and I hope that great success is achieved in the coming weeks.

“I will be quietly proud of my involvement in that, but it unfortunately won’t be as part of the group as I don’t see my position as being tenable given the circumstances.

“As time has passed, I am less hurt about the way this has been handled and I see this as an opportunity to grow.”

Title-winning ​South of Scotland head coach Matty Douglas glad of distraction from sacking by Hawick

Title-winning South of Scotland head coach Matty Douglas glad of distraction from sacking by Hawick