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Appointments at University Rugby

Appointments at University Rugby

Hugh Barrow30 Oct 2014 - 18:44
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Relationship that stretches back to birth of SRU strengthened

SCOTLAND FLY-HALF TAKES STUDENTS UNDER HIS WING
- FINN RUSSELL AND FERGUS SCOTT JOIN GLASGOW UNIVERSITY COACHING TEAM -

Glasgow Warriors’ stand-off Finn Russell and hooker Fergus Scott have been officially named to head coach Calum Forrester’s coaching team at Glasgow University Rugby Football Club.
Former Glasgow Warriors’ flanker Calum, who took the reigns at the club last year, believes the young duo can be crucial in helping his team become Scotland’s premier student rugby team.
The 27-year-old Scotland sevens’ cap said: “To be able to learn from two professionals of their calibre is a dream come true for our students. They will bring added professionalism and specialist coaching to sessions.
“For a young half-back to learn from Finn, or a developing front-row to be given advice from Fergus, that is priceless for a teenager.
“This coaching and expertise is what sets the University apart. One on one coaching is crucial for our players and the coaching assistance from Glasgow Hawks has already been of huge benefit.
“The added input of Finn and Fergus, two young players who the boys will relate to, will help create a unique and enviable coaching environment. It will also help them as they develop as coaches and get an early start on their post rugby career.”
Finn Russell helped Ayr to a league and cup double in 2012/2013 when Calum was captain. Now, after Calum was forced to call time on his playing career, the 28-year-old is Ayr’s head coach, where Fergus Scott is currently seeing most of his playing time.
Glasgow Warriors BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 3 player Fergus Scott said: “It will be great fun to be involved. From what I have seen there is a great deal of talent at the university, if we can help get the best out of them then that’s great.
“Rugby is a short career and it never hurts to start thinking about the future. I love the sport and don’t foresee a time when I won’t be taking part in some way or another, that’s why I’m keen to start looking ahead to coaching while I’m still playing.
“At every stage of my development, from Currie, through the age grade set-up and now with Glasgow I have had the good fortune of learning from incredible coaches who have helped me get to where I am today.
“I hope for some of these students, I can do the same. More than anything it will be great fun to be involved and help Calum with the great work he is already doing.”
Finn Russell added: “The coaching at Glasgow Warriors is excellent. Hopefully we can pass on some of that expertise to the boys at Glasgow University.
“They are really eager to learn and great to coach, I can’t wait to see them get better and better each week through the season.
“This is what rugby is all about. The students have to juggle exams and deadlines with their rugby but their commitment is exceptional. They are out at Garscube training hard twice a week, putting in the work at the gym and performing brilliantly for the team every Wednesday and Saturday.
“Fergus and I are both very lucky to be professional rugby players, that’s why we jumped at the chance to give something back. We’ll learn a lot working with Calum as well, who is proving himself to be a brilliant coach in his own right.”

Ends
Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of the University of Glasgow Sport & Recreation.
For further information, please contact Gregor Hollerin on 0781 332 0162 or gregor.hollerin@bigpartnership.co.uk

Notes to editors:
Glasgow University Rugby Football Club is now in its 145th year, with preparations currently in place for its 150th anniversary.
A new management group has been put in place to assist the club in becoming Scotland’s premier student rugby team.
The group includes alumni representatives, representatives from the current student committee and key partners such as Scottish Rugby, as well as Glasgow Hawks’ Director of Rugby Kenny Hamilton.
The group will be able to advise and guide the club in the future in a number of key areas including growing the Glasgow Hawks partnership, sponsorship and a potential return to the national leagues.
The Glasgow Hawks partnership, which dates back to the 19th century, was officially restored last year in a bid to give University rugby players a chance to fulfil their potential and feature in the Saturday national leagues.

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