Fraser Brown steps up to Head Coach and Grant Gilchrist also joins the staff
Watsonians Rugby are delighted to announce that Fraser Brown has been appointed as Head Coach ahead of the 2024 Super Series season.
The current Glasgow Warriors centurion and Scotland Internationalist joined the club as Assistant Coach last year. With his 61 Scotland caps he will bring a wealth of experience to the team who are looking to compete for the titles in the upcoming Sprint and Championship. Brown will undertake this role alongside his rehab for a knee injury with Glasgow Warriors.
Last season's Head Coach Nikki Walker will stay on at the club as an Assistant Coach alongside long-term Specialist Coach Richard Sneddon, who is now in his sixth year at Watsonians - both coaches were critical components of the 2022 Super6 Championship win.
On his appointment Brown said: “I thoroughly enjoyed leading Watsonians forwards last year, leading an entire squad in a Head Coaching role is something I have wanted to do for a number of years. There was real progress in the squad last year so now to be given the opportunity to take charge of the team for the next season is an honour, it’s something I'm really excited about.
“Watsonians have rich history of playing exciting and successful rugby at Myreside as one of Scotland’s most successful clubs. I'm delighted that we've been able to retain Nikki and Richard for the forthcoming season, they’re both excellent coaches and I can't wait to work alongside them once again.”
An addition to the coaching group this year is Scotland Internationalist and Edinburgh Rugby centurion Grant Gilchrist. He will join the coaching group to work exclusively on developing the club's lineout strategy adding further expertise and experience to the team.
Commenting on Gilchrist’s addition to the coaching group, Brown said: “Grant and I have known each other a long time. His knowledge and expertise around the lineout is second to none, along with Nikki and Richard they are top quality men off the pitch, I'm confident that he will be a fantastic addition to the great culture we have here at Watsonians.”
Watsonians Director of Rugby, Chris Hunter said: “As a club we are thrilled to see Fraser step up to the Head Coach position ahead of the 2024 season. He brought a huge amount of experience and intensity to our forward pack last year, and I'm really looking forward to seeing him work alongside Nikki, Richard, and Grant this year.
Image: © Craig Watson - www.craigwatson.co.uk
