John Dalziel to join London Scottish

John Dalziel will move to London Scottish. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The 39-year-old will leave his posts as coach of Scotland Under-20s and Melrose to take up the opportunity with the English Championship side, who have formed a partnership arrangement with the SRU.

Former Melrose and Gala forward Dalziel, who also played a season for London Scottish in the 1990s, is viewed as one of Scotland’s most promising young coaches. He won three BT Premiership titles and the BT Scottish Cup as Melrose coach, and guided the Under-20s side to impressive wins in the recent Six Nations against England and Italy before securing a a first ever win over Australia in the World Cup.

Dalziel took the Under-20 reins from Sean Lineen last summer after serving as his assistant and will renew that partnership at the Athletic Ground in Richmond.

Dalziel said: “I have been presented with a fantastic opportunity for me to challenge myself at this stage in my life and my coaching career.

“It’s the start of a new chapter and I look forward to joining such an ambitious club at this exciting time.”

Lineen said: “John [Dalziel] has enjoyed a lot of success in Scotland’s BT Premiership, and has been in the international under-20 programme for a number of years, so this appointment is another important step in his coaching career.

“Scottish Rugby’s partnership with London Scottish is helping us further develop our pathway for aspiring young coaches, as well as aspiring young players, that need game time at a certain level to help them progress into the professional environment.

“It’s a big commitment, an excellent opportunity and I’m delighted he’s taking it on.”

The SRU will now need to find a new Under-20 boss, while former scrum-half Rob Chrystie replaces Dalziel as Melrose coach.