Mike can make mark with Scots and the Warriors
GLASGOW Warriors assistant Mike Blair has been called up to join Gregor Townsend’s Scotland coaching team next season – but the former international scrum-half will still be involved at Scotstoun outside of the international windows.
Blair, 36, who retired from playing at the end of last season, will join other Warriors coaches Matt Taylor and Dan McFarland in making the move to Murrayfield along with Townsend.
His title will be skills coach, and his new job will begin after tomorrow’s 1872 Cup match between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“I’m delighted to take on this role with Scotland at an exciting time in the team’s development,” Blair said yesterday.
“I’m fortunate that I am able to maintain my involvement with Warriors, where I have been coaching a talented group of players in a hugely positive environment.
“Being a young coach, I feel very lucky to work with coaches of the calibre of Gregor and Dave [Rennie, the Warriors’ new head coach for next season] and hope I can contribute to further successes for both Scotland and Glasgow on the pitch.”
Blair began coaching while he was still a Newcastle Falcons player, taking charge of local club Ponteland.
When he came to Scotstoun at the start of last season it was as a player/ coach, and according to Townsend he has developed quickly since giving up playing almost exactly a year ago.
“Mike has thrived as a coach since his retirement from playing at the end of last season,” Townsend said.
“He’s proven to be an excellent addition to the Warriors’ backroom staff and I’m delighted to bring that expertise into the Scotland set-up.
“He will perform a similar role with the national team, which will be focused on three areas: assisting with our attack, improving our skills, and also working closely with our scrum-halves.”
Meanwhile, Warriors have continued their overhaul of the playing squad for next season by announcing the release of six more players.
By far the best known and longest-serving is fullback Peter Murchie, who has played 116 times for thdanny boyle
e team over the past eight years.
The others going are winger Junior Bulumakau, scrum-half Nemia Kenatale, centre Fraser Lyle , stand-off Hagen Schulte and lock Tjiuee Uanivi.