MELROSE have appointed former Scotland Under 21s forward Stuart Johnson as their head coach for the National League team.

With the creation of the Super Six semi professional league, Melrose will field two senior teams from the start of 2019/20.

Rob Chrystie remains in charge of the Super Six team at the Greenyards.

But Johnson, who has played over 250 games for Melrose, has been promoted from forwards coach to the man to lead the second-string.

Johnson said: “I’m looking forward to what will be a challenging but exciting season.

“We have a talented squad full of young up and coming players and some old, experienced, heads.

"I can’t wait to see what this group of players can achieve over the season.”

Prior to taking up the role of forwards coach in 2017/18 Johnson steered Storm to the National 1 Reserve League Championship as well leading the Under 18 WASPS to win the league and the Junior Kings of 7s.

Melrose begin their Tennent's National League Division One campaign on September 7 against Kelso.

Gala will open their Division One season at Stirling County.

In the Premiership, Selkirk will host Glasgow Hawks on the opening day, while Hawick travel to Musselburgh, and Jed-Forest host Marr at Riverside Park.