McGee seeks Caithness instant impact

Caithness are gearing up for a newchapter under incoming head coach Tom McGee, who has set his sights on emulating the success of other north clubs.

The Thurso outfit has had to look on in recent years as Orkney and Highland have achieved promotion to National 3 by winning Caledonia 1.

With Caithness preparing to open their league campaign against Harris Academy at Millbank tomorrow, McGee is determined to make an instant impact after replacingRussell Mill.

McGee said: “We’ve been

“I’m not one to paddle on water”

left behind a little bit by Highland and Orkney who have managed to progress recently, but I don’t seewhy we can’t look to do the same.

“I’m not one to paddle on water – I really want to make a difference to rugby in Caithness, although it’s not going to happen overnight. A lot of it is breaking down barriers and opening people’s minds to new things.”

Thurso- born McGee brings a wealth of experience to Caithness having returned to his hometown in February after a long stint in England, playing as a prop for Leeds between 2005 and 2010.

After retiring from playing, McGee stepped into coaching, taking over as head coach at Wharfedale before joining Yorkshire Carnegie four years later.

The 37-year-old is relishing his latest opportunity at Caithness, who finished fourth in Caledonia 1 last term, andheadded: “All experience is good if the guys can learn from it.

“Caithness brings me a different challenge, as has every other team I have been with. I’m really enjoying working with the boys, so hopefully everybody involved can push to help us progress as we want to.”