The shock moves comes just a fortnight after the 46-year-old left Peebles.

Wright will take over the Philiphaugh reins from Ally Dickson, who is stepping down after two seasons at the club.

Wright told the Border Telegraph: "I know the Selkirk club well, having come to Philiphaugh on many occasions both as a player and as a visiting coach.

"Selkirk play rugby with the right attitude and take a positive approach to the game, and this reflects my own outlook." Wright won 21 caps for Scotland between 1992-1996, and toured New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions in 1993.

A former club player with both Lasswade and Boroughmuir, in 2005 he coached Glasgow Hawks to a BT Premier League and Cup double.

He has previously taken charge of the Scotland u-19 & u-20 teams.

And most recently guided Peebles back into the national leagues.

Peter added: “Selkirk’s excellent youth set-up is another factor which helped make up my mind, and although player numbers are an issue, they are at most other Scottish clubs these days.

"I’m excited about the season ahead, and will be meeting with the players in the near future to discuss ideas and let them know my thoughts.” Meanwhile Selkirk’s popular development officer, Iain Paxton, is standing down at the end of June after five years in post.

The former Scotland and British Lions player said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute, but travelling down from Edinburgh was beginning to take its toll, and I’m planning to find a new job closer to home.

“Selkirk Rugby Club has a great youth system in place and the future looks very promising, with some talented youngsters coming through the ranks.

"I intend helping my successor settle into the role, and look forward to seeing the club go from strength to strength in the years ahead.” Although the appointment of Wright has come as a surprise to many, the playing squad at Philiphaugh had been briefed previously on the appointment.

Selkirk’s director of rugby, Cameron Cochrane, explained: “The players have all been kept informed of the changes being made for next season, and I’m confident the new coaching set-up can build on the progress made by the senior side in the 2013/2014 campaign.”