Former Scotland dual-code player Tait lands new role

Former Scotland centre Alan Tait has been promoted to head coach at Scottish Super6 side Southern Knights.

The former Scotland international and Kelso RFC product, who scored 18 tries in 27 caps and played in two Test matches on the 1997 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, joined The Greenyards Super6 team as defence coach last summer and will now lead the seimi-professional program.

He will be supported by former Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland second row Lewis Carmichael, and Scott Wight, a former Scotland 7s captain and 28-game Glasgow Warriors player, both of whom were products of Melrose Rugby.

Tait, following his successful playing career, has previously held coaching positions with Border Reivers and Newcastle Falcons.

“It’s a great honour to be given the chance to head up the Southern Knights Super6 programme and work with two young, exciting and enthusiastic coaches in Lewis Carmichael and Scott Wight.

“We are looking to build an exciting squad and looking forward to working with young and experienced players that want the opportunity to play rugby at the highest level in Scotland outside the pro-game. We can hopefully inspire players from the region, and wider a-field, to play in a fantastic competition and support them in reaching their full rugby potential in.”

Southern Knights Director of Rugby, Rob Moffat, said: “We are pleased to announce Alan Tait as Head Coach this week and believe he is heading up an extremely exciting coaching team and playing programme.

“Alan brings a lot of experience, enthusiasm and energy and is undoubtedly passionate about developing players and coaches. We look forward to working with Alan and are excited to see what the season brings”.

Prior to rugby union turning professional, Tait switched codes to rugby league where he spent eight years playing club rugby for Widnes and Leeds as well as representing Great Britain and Scotland.