Ian Barnes helping Students make grade

IAN BARNES has made a stunning return to rugby, coaching Edinburgh University who, tomorrow, can move a step closer to laying claim to Scotland's coveted "club of the month" prize.

Since former Edinburgh European Cup mentor Barnes, who parted company with Accies at the end of last season, linked up with development officer David Adamson to coach the students, they have responded with four straight national league wins ahead of their visit to mid-table Ellon.

In addition, Edinburgh have won three midweek Scottish University championship clashes with Robert Gordon's, Heriot-Watt and Stirling to set them up for a trip to highly-rated Leeds Metropolitan next Wednesday in the British Cup.

Says Adamson: "Barney is not one to dish out many compliments and our boys haven't had much experience of working with someone like him.

"But he is having a very positive effect on a team who are playing some good rugby and Barney seems glad to be back at a club he played for himself before going on to represent Hawick and Scotland."

At the heart of their success have been a number of key players. Club captain Michael Johnston is a former England schoolboy while centre Dominic Jacobsen has been running in the tries on his return after a season out and drawing on experience of rep rugby in Hong Kong.

Another consistent performer has been James Morrison, brother of Scotland centre Graeme, who forms part of a powerful back row also featuring Phil Lucas.

Adamson adds: "We're fortunate to have a lot of lads who have clearly been well coached before moving to university and, coupled with outstanding training facilities at Peffermill and the Pleasance, add up as factors in the recent successes."