BROWN AIMS TO REPAY GLASGOW FAITH IN DERBY

IT’S six years since Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown was told he was surplus to requirements at Edinburgh after just one injury-hit year at the club. But the manner of his departure clearly still rankles, and the Scotland international admits he will use it as motivation in tomorrow’s Guinness Pro12 derby clash at Scotstoun. ‘I grew up and went to school in Edinburgh,’ said Brown (below) ahead of Gregor Townsend’s last game in charge of Glasgow before becoming Scotland head coach. ‘They were my club when I was growing up, and I can’t lie and say I have fond memories of leaving. ‘I’m not sore — I’ve moved on — but it’s not something that I just let go. ‘There’s always going to be a bit of rivalry there, and it’s not just myself. There are a couple of guys who have come across from Edinburgh, like Lee Jones and Alex Allan, so there are a few of us who had tough times at Edinburgh who have been rejuvenated by coming to Glasgow. ‘I suppose there’s that extra bit of spice in the game. ‘Gregor Townsend and the rest of the coaches at Glasgow helped completely rejuvenate my career and I can’t thank them enough.’ Meanwhile, Warriors skills coach Mike Blair has welcomed the chance to join Townsend’s new coaching team at Scotland. As revealed by

Sportsmail last month, he will take up his new position after tomorrow’s derby but will continue his Warriors role outwith the international windows next season. ‘I’m delighted to take on this role with Scotland at an exciting time in the team’s development,’ said Blair. ‘I’m fortunate I’m able to maintain my involvement with Glasgow, where I’ve been coaching a talented group of players in a hugely positive environment. ‘I feel very lucky to work with coaches of the calibre of Gregor Townsend and Dave Rennie and hope I can contribute to further successes for both Scotland and Glasgow on the pitch.’ Townsend, who is also taking defence coach Matt Taylor and forwards coach Dan McFarland to Scotland full-time, said: ‘Mike has thrived as a coach at the Warriors since his retirement from playing at the end of last season. ‘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 and will be focused on three areas: assisting with our attack, improving our skills and also working closely with our scrumhalves.’ Meanwhile, Peter Murchie was among the latest batch of players to leave the club yesterday.