IAIN CHISHOLM has stepped down as head coach of Peebles Rugby Club after one season in charge.

Chisholm took the reins for the Borderers’ centenary season and led them to a fourth-place finish in National League Division 2.

In a statement announcing the decision, he said it was the right time “to seek coaching opportunities and full-time employment closer to home” to maximise time with his family.

“It’s been a real privilege to be involved with Peebles Rugby Club over the last 12 months,” he said. “I’d like to thank the executive committee for affording me the opportunity to develop my coaching and leadership skills further with a fantastic group of players, coaches and managers in the club’s centenary year.

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“Having reflected on the season and in discussion with my wife, it is the right time for me to seek coaching opportunities and full-time employment closer to home to maximise time with my young family.”

Chisholm added: “I am proud that in a short time we have made massive strides in developing a playing style and introduced a methodology that ensured that our time at training was a highlight moment of the players’ week. It’s been great to see that style develop along with the players on an individual level.

“While we may not have been promoted, we managed to win home and away to deserved league winners Glasgow Accies and I’m certain that with a little more luck around injuries, Peebles would have been in amongst that group chasing promotion come the last day of the season.

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“I look forward to watching these players and wider coaching and management group progressing in future seasons and wish everyone at Peebles RFC all the best for the future, and a big thank you for being such a welcoming club.”

Peebles RFC said it was disappointed to lose Chisholm.

Director of rugby Colin Thomson said: “Iain has made a significant impact on our senior player group during his time with the club and we are disappointed to be losing his services but we wish him well in the future.”