Pete Horne appointed Scotland assistant coach

27 Nov 2023

Pete Horne has been named as Scotland assistant coach, specialising in the attack and contact area, having worked with the team already this year during the Guinness Six Nations and 2023 Rugby World Cup.

NICE, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 27: Pete Horne during a Scotland Rugby training session at the Stade Nicois Rugby Club, on September 27, 2023, in Nice, France. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

The former Scotland international moves into his new role following a spell with Glasgow Warriors and will combine with head coach Gregor Townsend and fellow assistant coaches Steve Tandy, John Dalziel and Pieter de Villiers as preparation begins for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

Pete Horne amassed 45 caps for Scotland during his playing career and after retiring in 2021 he has gone on to be head coach of Ayrshire Bulls before working as assistant coach at Glasgow Warriors.

Brad Mooar will not work with the squad going forward after being part of the coaching team from the start of the year and his consultancy period coming to an end.

Pete Horne said: “Coaching the Scotland team in the last year has been a privilege and a massive opportunity for me to work on the biggest stage. To have the chance to continue that in a full-time capacity is something I’m relishing.

“My time coaching with Ayrshire Bulls and Glasgow Warriors has helped me prepare for my experiences with the national team and I have taken a lot of learnings from the past year. Working with this talented group of players greatly motivates me as a coach, as does the potential of this squad.

“I can’t wait to meet up with the players and management in 2024 and make further progress.”

Gregor Townsend said: “Pete is a very talented coach and has a great relationship with the players. He has also complemented the dynamic within the coaching group since joining us at the start of the year and brings valuable insight.

“I have been very impressed with his coaching style and the ideas he brings to the table. He has brought a lot of value this year working with us and for him to take on the role full-time will be of great benefit to the players. I look forward to working with him on the attack side of our game.

“I’d like to thank Brad for his help in the last year and we wish him well for the future.

“Having a coach of his experience as part of the management team was invaluable this year. As a consultant his fresh ideas brought a lot to the table and was someone the players enjoyed working with and took a lot of learnings from.”