The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Ex-scotland captain takes on U-20s role
Former skipper joined by Nikki Walker and Steven Lawrie
Former Scotland captain Bryan Redpath will take charge of Scotland’s Under-20s campaign for the forthcoming World Junior Championships in France.
Redpath replaces Stevie Scott as head coach and will be supported by two fellow former caps in Nikki Walker, who joined the Under-20s set-up as assistant coach during the Six Nations, and Steven Lawrie.
It will be Redpath’s first coaching job in his native country, having spent the majority of his time after he retired from playing in England.
During an illustrious playing career Redpath won 60 caps and was captain of his country 26 times, playing at three Rugby World Cups.
He retired in 2005 and began his coaching career at Gloucester, first as backs coach and then as head coach in 2009 through to 2012, when he left to join Sale Sharks.
He was head coach of Leeds Carnegie until the end of last season and has been pursuing business interests outside the game since then.
“After 17 years of both playing and coaching in England, I’m delighted to be returning home to coach such a talented group of players.
“I’m really looking forward to working alongside Steve and Nikki, both of whom are gifted coaches, and it’s going to be a great experience leading this squad into next month’s tournament.
“It’s a proud moment for me, and I will hopefully be able to create a platform which then acts as a springboard for some of these players to go on to bigger and better things.”
There could be some irony ahead if Redpath stays as head coach as his son Cameron, a stand-off/centre, is currently involved in England’s Under-18 system having played for Scotland at Under-16 level.
The younger Redpath is also eligible for France, having been born there when his father played for Narbonne, but under rugby’s rules doesn’t have to make a final decision on eligibility until he graduates from Under-20 level.
Walker, capped 24 times on the wing for Scotland, came on board as attack coach during the Junior Six Nations when the Scots won one game, beating England at Myreside.
Lawrie, who won a single cap as hooker in 2013 before retiring due to injury, is the new forwards coach.
He was part of the coaching team at the 2014 Junior World Championship in New Zealand and cut his teeth coaching in club rugby, most recently at Watsonians.
Head of National Age Grade rugby, Sean Lineen, said he was delighted to announce the new coaching team.
“Bryan Redpath has enjoyed a decorated career as both a coach and a player and he’ll bring a wealth of experience to the role.
“Nikki Walker impressed mightily during the U20 Six Nations, so he’ll also bring continuity with the group, while Steve Lawrie has showcased his coaching pedigree throughout his time at BT Premiership level.
“Under their guidance, we’ll look to push this year’s squad to another successful World Rugby U20 Championship campaign.”
stscott@thecourier.co.uk