Glasgow give Scott Wight chance to shine on the big stage

GLASGOW have confirmed the signing of one of the most consistently-impressive performers in the domestic game with the recruitment of Melrose stand-off Scott Wight on a two-year deal.

As captain, the 25-year-old pivot has been a key figure in the Greenyards outfit's exceptional season, which saw them claim Premier One, Border League and Melrose Sevens honours and reach the final of the Scottish Cup.

Just last weekend, Wight skippered the side to success at the PD&F Jed-Forest Sevens, a triumph that allowed Melrose to collect the BSPC Kings of the Sevens cup for the second year in a row. He has also been an integral part of the Scotland Club XV for the last three seasons.

Warriors head coach Sean Lineen has backed the Borderer to thrive in the professional environment, saying: "Scott's a player who has been in our thoughts for some time now, and we're extremely pleased to have him on board for next season.

"He offers a number of excellent qualities, not least the ability to control a game from stand-off. He'll also bring with him a massive amount of confidence from what has been an outstanding season for both himself and his club, and that sort of enthusiasm is infectious.

"It will obviously be a bit of a change for Scott to be a full-time rugby player, but I've every confidence that he has the attitude and the ability to cope with the step up and make a success of it. He'll also provide excellent competition for the likes of Ruaridh Jackson, Duncan Weir and Colin Gregor." Wight, meanwhile, said it was an "honour and a massive opportunity" to be joining the Firhill ranks.

The fly-half continued: "I'm thrilled to have the chance to come into the professional game with a side like Glasgow.

"They've an excellent track record of helping young players fulfil their potential, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to getting stuck in and making the most of this opportunity.

"I'm really excited about the quality of player I'll be working with and learning from on a daily basis, and it's now about getting the head down and working hard to repay the faith that Sean and the rest of the club have shown in me."

Meanwhile, trophy-laden Melrose picked up another award this week as the Scottish Rugby Club of the Month, putting them in the running for the season-long award announced at the Scottish Rugby Club Awards dinner at Murrayfield tonight.

The final weeks of the 2010/11 season, which saw the club lift three major titles, will undoubtedly sit comfortably alongside the most famous in the Borderers' distinguished history.Under the stewardship of former Scotland and British Lions stand-off Craig Chalmers, the Greenyards club were crowned champions of Premier One (after seeing off then nearest challengers Ayr with a home reverse of their cup final defeat at Murrayfield), overcame South African Cup holders, Hamilton, in the final of their own world-famous sevens tournament en route to lifting the Kings of Sevens Series title and were crowned champions of the oldest league in world rugby, the Border League.

Chalmers said: "The success attained by the club has been brought about by a strong squad of players, aided by a committed coaching team and first class physiotherapy and medical support. The club management provides the best player support that we can, enabling the players to progress and develop their skills, techniques and performance.

"A great camaraderie has been created, not only within the playing squad but throughout the support group and, with success, the spirit throughout the club from top to bottom has grown and grown."

The club's under-18 team (Melrose Wasps) continues to be coached by former Scotland and British Lions coach Jim Telfer and, with his assistants, the young developing players receive a first-class grounding in the game.

Peter Wright, the Premier One representative on the Scottish Rugby Council, said: "The dedication and effort put in by the club over the last few years is now showing dividends, evident from the quality of young players progressing through to the adult section of the club."

• Glasgow will face Newcastle Falcons at Firhill on the weekend of 12 August for a pre-season friendly. The precise date, kick-off time and ticket information will be confirmed later.