Rugby: Heineken Cup players on board at Boroughmuir

BOROUGHMUIR have strengthened their squad for next season by signing two players with Heineken European Rugby Cup experience.

The Meggetland outfit, who finished eighth in the last Scottish Hydro Premiership, have been re-joined by stand-off Ally Warnock and lock Ali Davidson, both of whom used a spell with Boroughmuir as a stepping stone into the professional ranks earlier in their careers .

Muir official Peter Blackhall said: "Ali Davidson returns to Boroughmuir after a spell over in Australia playing for Souths in Brisbane and Ally Warnock returns after a spell playing for the (English) championship side Doncaster."

In addition to playing in Australia, the 6ft 7in and 17st Davidson, 29, also had a stint in Italian club rugby and can draw on playing three times for Edinburgh at European level – against Swansea and Biarritz (twice) in 2001-02. Additionally, he made nine Celtic League appearances including some for the now defunct Border Reivers.

Originally from a prolific Biggar rugby nursery, 27-year-old Ally Warnock has also represented both Edinburgh and Borders, amassing 35 Celtic League appearances and three at European level.

Warnock, who has club championship medals from both Boroughmuir and Currie, is held in special affection by Edinburgh fans after his late conversion from wide out via a post helped clinch a 19-17 Scottish derby clash with Glasgow at Meadowbank in 2004.

With clubs' international Malcolm Clapperton installed as captain, Muir are now back in training every Tuesday under the direction of new strength and conditioning coach Andy Muir, the former Currie centre.

Meanwhile, Kevin Brown is making the opposite journey from Boroughmuir to coach Stewart's-Melville forwards next season.