Rugby: Smith makes the switch to Boroughmuir

Published on Friday 12 June 2009 10:10

BOROUGHMUIR RFC have completed their coaching panel for next season by enticing former national academy manager and Edinburgh assistant Phil Smith to Meggetland.

Smith, who has recently been coaching Dunfermline, will work alongside Fergus Pringle, the former Edinburgh and Scotland A second row, who recently announced he was cutting back on playing commitments to make a first venture into coaching.

As Pringle finds his way he will be able to draw on the vastly-experienced Smith whose coaching cv also includes stints with Heriot's, Watsonians and Edinburgh Accies.

Completing a new-look Boroughmuir management set-up following the retirement of Eamon John is the appointment of 28-year-old back row Ewan Matheson to succeed Pringle as captain.

A statement from Boroughmuir, which finished third in the Premiership last season, said: "Phil Smith will bring a wealth of experience to the new coaching set-up."

It was also announced that Boroughmuir will launch their next season with a visit to newly relegated Hawick to play for the Hugh McMaster trophy which honours the memory of a flanker who played for both clubs and who died in 2002. Also on the schedule is a meeting with English team, Blaydon, before the Premiership gets underway on Saturday, August 29.