Watsonians hunt for coach after Pringle takes on Scotland Under 20s role

SUPER6 CHAMPIONS Watsonians have begun the search for a new coach after the appointment of Fergus Pringle as forwards coach with Scotland Under 20s. Pringle, who also led the Myreside club to the Sprint Series title this year, has been in post since 2019.

Scotland Under 20s head coach Kenny Murray, who has promised to help Watsonians find a replacement for Pringle, has also appointed Scott Forrest as assistant coach focusing on attack. Most recently high- performance manager with the Scotland national women’s team, Forrest was also head coach of Scotland Women

Sevens at this year’s Commonwealth Games and held the equivalent position with Team GB at last year’s Olympic Games.

“I’m delighted to be able to confirm our coaching group ahead of the 2023 Under 20 Six Nations campaign,” head coach Murray said. “In both Fergus and Scott we’ve got two quality coaches who are specialists in their areas and have huge amounts of experience in high- performance environments. Both coaches will be in camp this week as the playing group come together for the second of three camps prior to the Christmas break...

“The changes in the coaching staff also allow Shade Munro and Rob Chrystie, who worked as assistant coaches with the team last year, to continue their work in developing our young players within the academies of Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby. Having both Shade and Rob focusing on their respective teams will be of great benefit to the development of the young players within those environments.”

Pringle presided over a steady improvement at Watsonians, culminating in this year’s double triumph.

“I’d like to thank Watsonians for the Super6 head coaching opportunity,” he said. “For the last threeanda- half years they’ve trusted me to develop the Super6 programme. There is a special group of players and staff at the club that will no doubt drive the club on to more success in the future, both on and off the field.

“I’m really excited to join Scotland U20s as forwards coach and to work alongside an experienced coach like Kenny and the wider management group.

“It’s a great opportunity to work with the best young players in the country who are coming through our systems and support their development to reach their full potential.”