Gavin Scott, the former Scotland team manager, is to be Scottish Rugby’s new director of rugby development, taking over the role from Sheila Begbie who announced her retirement last month.
Scott, 46, will have responsibility for the clubs and school pathways that feed towards the elite game. The former hooker — he sat on the Scotland bench four times but never gained a cap — has deep roots in the community game, having played for Harris, Dundee and Currie as well as Caley Reds and Glasgow Warriors at professional level.
Scott was Scotland’s senior video analyst before he became team manager. His most recent position was as operations director at Murrayfield.
Speaking of his new, wide-ranging role, Scott said: “I was attracted by the unique opportunity to work with people in clubs, schools and the rugby development department who are passionate, like me, about developing our game in Scotland.
“I’m excited about supporting the many volunteers who provide great rugby experiences across Scotland and will play an essential role in the continued transformation of the game into a vibrant and inclusive sport, as we hopefully move out of this period of Covid pandemic.
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“My previous roles and experiences in the sport have well equipped me to understand how rugby in Scotland works at its numerous levels.”
It was also announced yesterday that Hilary Spence is to become Scottish Rugby’s new chief financial officer. Spence, 55, was previously UK managing director of Collagen Solutions, the Glasgow-based biotech company.
•Freddie Owsley, a 24-year-old wing/full back has joined Edinburgh from the Bristol Bears Academy. Owsley previously represented Great Britain as an age-grade sprinter. Edinburgh coach, Richard Cockerill, said: “Freddie is an exciting prospect for us to develop.”