Scottish Rugby creates performance links with Stade Nicois

Scottish Rugby is developing a performance pathway with French club Stade Nicois to provide wider opportunities for Scottish players. For the coming season five players will be based in Nice and will provide playing and coaching resources for the Federale 2 team.Former Glasgow Warrior centurion Peter Murchie ended his association with the Scotstoun based club at the end of last season and will be developing his coaching with Stade Nicois.Joining him is former Glasgow Warrior Tyrone Holmes who will be starting a new career path in strength and conditioning with the French club.On the playing front Scotland U20 players Josh Henderson and Bruce Flockhart are currently in pre-season training with Stade Nicois with a view to playing there in the forthcoming season. Former London Scottish hooker David Cherry has also signed for the club.Scottish Rugby Chief Executive Mark Dodson said: “We are looking to place players into a variety of different environments, at different levels. For younger players it is to broaden their experiences and for those reaching the end of their careers to provide pathways into coaching. In return we can provide opportunities in Scotland for players from other countries who are also looking to develop.Our arrangement with Stade Nicois is therefore consistent with our recent activity with Western Force in Australia, Western Province in South Africa, Lille and London Scottish.”