Selkirk coaches quit as Di Rollo tipped for Myreside role

As the end of season finally approaches, Watsonians are also looking for a new coach to replace the outgoing Bruce Aitchison and are understood to be looking to promote Marcus Di Rollo, their former Scotland centre, if he agrees to taking over.

At Philiphaugh, Barrie ended a 13-year wait in steering Selkirk back into Division One in 2007-8 and with Jaffray secured the club's place among the top flight since, including next season after a thumping 49-3 win over Stewart's Melville at the weekend.

He had told the club this was to be his final season last year, however, as after following his playing career with coaching roles at Jed-Forest, Currie and Hawick, along with several representative posts he is keen to spend more time with his family. He is, however, also tipped to be involved with more Scottish representative rugby. Jaffray, one of the club's most prolific try scorers, has also taken on a new role within the Fire Service prompting his decision to stand down.

There is speculation that former Selkirk and Scotland back row Graham Marshall, a leading figure in the development of Selkirk's youth rugby – the U18s team again won the Borders title this season – is in the frame to take over as head coach.

Dennis Henderson, the rugby director, insisted the change was a wholly amicable one. "The club was happy to agree to Kevin's request. He has done an outstanding job in his three years at the helm, not only helping the guide the team back into Premier One, but also picking up two Border League titles along the way. Everyone at Philiphaugh wishes him well in his future endeavours," he said.

"Selkirk Rugby Club has agreed terms with two new coaches for next season's campaign, but in fairness to Kevin and Michael, and with several important matches still to play, we felt it only right to set the record straight so that the coaches can continue to focus on the remaining games without further distractions and we will name the new coaches at the end of the season."

Watsonians have already confirmed the departure of Aitchison, who told the club he wished to hand over to someone else, and The Scotsman understands that talks have been held with internationalist Di Rollo.

He has been helping Aitchison as an assistant coach, helping Andrew Ker with the sevens squad and turning out for the club's 2nd XV on occasion, since bringing down the curtain on his professional career with Toulouse. Di Rollo declined to comment on a possible promotion to head coach at this stage, however.

Meanwhile, Melrose have launched the last batch of ticket sales for a post-sevens party which has become a major hit over the last two years as the event grows into a weekend-long draw.

The Veterans rugby tens tournament kicks it off this year on Friday 9 April with a marquee party in the evening and then the main event party in the marquee on Saturday night again features John Beattie's Band, the BBC commentator's group which draws on various performers, celebrities and international rugby players.

A jazz festival takes centre stage on the Sunday from noon to 6pm. More info can be found at www.melrose7s.com.