The former Scotland internationalist joined The Greenyards Super6 team last summer as defence coach and will now lead the part-time professional programme.

Tait, a prolific centre, who scored 18 tries in 27 caps for Scotland is a product of Kelso RFC. He went on to feature in two Test matches in the British and Irish Lions 1997 tour to South Africa.

He will be supported by former Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland second row Lewis Carmichael as well as Scott Wight, a former Scotland 7s captain who made 28 appearances for Glasgow Warriors.

Both Carmichael and Wight, who were both products of Melrose Rugby prior to their professional careers, will lead the forwards and backs respectively.

After his successful playing career, Tait went on to assume coaching positions with the Border Reivers and Newcastle Falcons.

On his appointment he said: “It’s a great honour to be given the chance to head up the Southern Knights Super6 programme and work with two young, exciting and enthusiastic coaches in Lewis Carmichael and Scott Wight.

“We are looking to build an exciting squad and looking forward to working with young and experienced players that want the opportunity to play rugby at the highest level in Scotland outside the pro-game.  We can hopefully inspire players from the region, and wider a-field, to play in a fantastic competition and support them in reaching their full rugby potential in.”

Southern Knights Director of Rugby, Rob Moffat, said: “We are pleased to announce Alan Tait as Head Coach this week and believe he is heading up an extremely exciting coaching team and playing programme.

“Alan brings a lot of experience, enthusiasm and energy and is undoubtedly passionate about developing players and coaches. We look forward to working with Alan and are excited to see what the season brings”.

Alan starts his new position with immediate effect.