Rugby: Appleson seeks new lease of life at Heriot's

For new Heriot's backs coach Mark Appleson, it was a case of 'now or never' in returning to the senior rugby scene this week.

The former Scotland A and Barbarians full back has taken over from Edinburgh professional John Houston - who will still be available on a consultancy basis - claiming that, after nine years working with top school sides, including current Brewin Dolphin Scottish champions Edinburgh Academy, there was a risk he could be left behind by the men's game.

Says Appleson: "I was delighted to be asked by head coach Bob McKillop to come on board.

"At my previous job with Merchiston Castle, I tried hard to establish a link with Heriot's because I very much admired them for their open style of play and the school had no formal connection to a former pupils team.

"Currently, I'm working with an Edinburgh Academy team full of potential but there is scope to help out at Heriot's as well."

Last season, Edinburgh Academy won 19 out of 21 games played.

Appleson added: "It's nine years since I worked with Sedgley Park and Widnes while I also had a stint as player/coach with Manchester rugby club.

"If you leave it too late you can get out of touch."

As a first step towards involvement at Goldenacre, Appleson, who gained his representative honours with London Scottish and Sale, watched games towards the end of last season with Edinburgh Accies and Ayr.

He said: "There is clearly a lot of talent at Heriot's and, as Bob McKillop pointed out, the chance to play in the British and Irish Cup really galvanised their season.

"Visiting teams like Munster A gave Heriot's a real edge and I look forward to trying to develop that."

In keeping with most club sides, Heriot's will be breaking themselves in gradually with a mixture of conditioning and ball work.

And, as a PE teacher, the conditioning side is something that also interests Appleson, who has seen first hand how the professional game is increasingly becoming a career option.

A former Scotland age-group coach, he says: "When it comes to moving into the professional game, physical ability is one of the first things clubs will look at.

"For the moment, that aspect is not a massive priority with schools.

That, however, is something that needs to be kept up with if Scotland are to keep producing quality youngsters."

Appleson is certainly doing his bit and next season will see the captain of Edinburgh Academy's national cup-winning side, Fraser Gillies, take his stand off talents to Racing Metro of Paris.

A former captain of Scotland under-17s but omitted from the under-18 team in a move that raise many eyebrows in youth rugby circles, Gillies crosses the Channel with a ringing endorsement from Appleson, who says: "Fraser will undoubtedly be the consummate professional."

Meanwhile, the newly released Premiership fixture list will see Heriot's open with a home derby against Watsonians followed by a trip to promoted Stirling County where head coach Bob McKillop spent his playing career in the back row.

"Teams like Munster A gave Heriot's a real edge and I look forward to trying to develop that" .