Ex-Warriors defence guru Gary Mercer becomes Biggar head coach

Former Glasgow Warriors defence coach Gary Mercer is the new head coach of BT National League Two side Biggar.

Mercer, who is a former New Zealand rugby league international, had been involved in a coaching role with BT Premiership side Glasgow Hawks this term, but will now be in charge at Hartreemill going forward.

Over the last couple of weeks a number of potential candidates were interviewed for the position, but it was Mercer who impressed Biggar coaching convenor Ian Notman and his team of Ian Warnock and Jim Yuille.

In 2014/15 Biggar were relegated from BT National League One having won just six matches all term and, this time around, they are set to 
finish in mid-table in BT National League Two.

Mercer, 49, played and coached rugby league extensively in England before switching codes and starting to coach in union. He worked alongside Sean Lineen at Glasgow Warriors for seven years and has also coached Scotland age-grade teams. His son Zach is currently a member of the Bath Rugby Academy and plays for England under-20s.

A Biggar spokesman said: “Gary views the club’s development and a return up the leagues as a challenge.

“Hopefully he will be at the club before the end of the season and looks to begin work almost immediately, particularly in getting to know the players and their strengths and weaknesses. This is another exciting step forward for the club and we all welcome Gary’s input – he brings a wealth of experience.”