Moffat on move from Dollar to Merchiston

Former Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat has been appointed director of rugby at Merchiston Castle School.

Moffat is currently on the PE staff at Dollar Academy and will succeed James Boyd at the Edinburgh school in August with a wealth of experience at all levels of the game. Educated at Galashiels Academy, Moffat completed an Honours degree in PE and Human Movement at Jordanhill and returned to his alma mater before taking charge of PE at Earlston High School.

At Galashiels Moffat, who takes over at Merchiston from James Boyd, coached the first XV for 17 seasons, winning the Scottish Schools Cup on four occasions with sides that included Gregor Townsened. A former South of Scotland wing, Moffat also coached his old club, Melrose, helping them to win five Scottish Championships.

In 1996 Moffat moved into professional rugby as head coach of Border Reivers, then as assistant coach at Glasgow, the Borders and Edinburgh before taking over as head coach of Edinburgh following Andy Robinson’s elevation to national coach.

Moffat joins a number a former professional coaches and SRU development officers who have been recruited by top schools. Among them are Borders and Newcastle head coach Steve Bates, at Fettes, former SRU development officers Andy Henderson at Strathallan and Mark McKenzie at St Aloysius College, and former Scotland under-20 coach Peter Wright at Glasgow Academy.

Meanwhile, Marr College warmed up for their Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools under-18 Plate semi-final against Kelvinside Academy at Balgray on Saturday with a 52-5 win over Linlithgow Academy, featuring tries by Andy Mill (2), Lewis Anderson (2), Conor Gray (3) and Cammy Watson. Mill kicked four conversions and there were two by Grant Baird.

In the final Marr will meet Galashiels Academy, who have not played since winning their semi-final against Madras College.

Madras may be out of the Brewin Dolphin competition but their 32-24 win over local rivals Howe of Fife suggests that the St Andrews School are on top of their game right now. Madras led 24-7 at half time with tries by wing Andrew Hodge (2), centre Sam Raeside and full-back Jon Price and then sealed the win with a Price penalty and a try from centre Rory Stewart. They completed a good week with a 59-0 win over Crieff in the Caledonia under-18 Cup, their under-16 side also tasting success with a 22-5 victory against Aberdeen Grammar School in the same competition.

George Watson’s College beat Dundee High School 21-5 at Mayfield.