Watsonians confirm coaching group ahead of Super Series Sprint

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 19: Fraser Brown during Glasgow Warriors Media Access on July 19 at Scotstoun, 2022, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)

The current Glasgow Warriors centurion and Scotland Internationalist joined the club as Assistant Coach last year. With his 61 Scotland caps he will bring a wealth of experience to the Myreside outfit who are looking to compete for the title in the upcoming Sprint. Brown will undertake this role alongside his rehab for a knee injury with Glasgow Warriors. 

Head Coach from last season Nikki Walker will stay on at the club as an Assistant Coach alongside long-term Specialist Coach Richard Sneddon, who is now in his sixth year at Watsonians – both coaches were critical components of the 2022 Super6 Championship win. 

On his appointment Brown said: “I thoroughly enjoyed leading Watsonians forwards last year, leading an entire squad in a Head Coaching role is something I have wanted to do for a number of years. There was real progress in the squad last year so now to be given the opportunity to take charge of the team for the next season is an honour, it’s something I’m really excited about. 

“Watsonians have rich history of playing exciting and successful rugby at Myreside as one of Scotland’s most successful clubs. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to retain Nikki and Richard for the forthcoming season, they’re both excellent coaches and I can’t wait to work alongside them once again.”

An addition to the coaching group this year is Scotland Internationalist and Edinburgh Rugby centurion Grant Gilchrist. He will join the coaching set up to work exclusively on developing the club’s lineout strategy adding further expertise and experience to the team.

Commenting on Gilchrist’s addition to the coaching group, Brown said: “Grant and I have known each other a long time. His knowledge and expertise around the lineout is second to none, along with Nikki and Richard they are top quality men off the pitch, I’m confident that he will be a fantastic addition to the great culture we have here at Watsonians.”

Watsonians Director of Rugby, Chris Hunter said: “As a club we are thrilled to see Fraser step up to the Head Coach position ahead of the 2024 season. He brought a huge amount of experience and intensity to our forward pack last year, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him work alongside Nikki, Richard, and Grant this year. 

“We’ve built not only an incredible range of experience and specialisms to our coaching staff, but have also focussed on bringing in and retaining high-character individuals who will really help us to drive standards both on and off the pitch.”