BOSSES at Peebles Rugby Club have appointed a new member of coaching staff after the surprise resignation of Gavin Kerr.

Former Selkirk coach Ewen Robbie will be responsible for the first team forwards with Drew Moore remaining as the backs coach.

Kerr, capped 50 times by his country, was forced to give up his post after just a year because of work commitments which will see him travelling regularly to St Andrews.

“We weren’t expecting this but we are an amateur club and a person’s work has to come first,” said senior director of rugby Adam Moffat. “Gavin felt if he’s stayed on he would have only been doing half a job. He leaves with out best wishes.” Robbie is a UKCC Level Three qualified coach. He has been the forwards coach at Selkirk and is currently Borders and East Lothian U20s head coach.

“What appealed to us about Ewen is that he and Drew have the same philosophy and will work well together. Ewen will also be good with our young players,” said Moffat.

Former Peebles first team player Mark Smith is taking over as team manager having returned to live in Peebles from Australia. “Mark was a no-nonsense back row and we are sure he will bring grit and determination to his new role,” said Moffat.

Moffat’s predecessor Graeme Paterson will lead the second team assisted by Neil Hogarth supported by Lee Darker as team manager.

Moffat said: “Graeme will play a key role by re-introducing some structure into the second team. The Colts moving up into senior rugby will benefit greatly from his focus on player development.

“Neil is a well-known player, having been part of the first team for over 10 years, he will continue to play and give those young players the guidance and benefit of his experience on the pitch.

“Lee will offer support and organisation to the important development side.” Pre-season gets underway on Monday, July 6 with the first league match against Selkirk in the Borders League on August 8.

“It all comes around again very quickly - it’s only a few weeks since the Walkerburn Sevens,” said Moffat. “We are all looking forward to it and I have no doubt that we are going to have a good year. We have a good young side that can only improve.”