GALA RFC have recruited an existing Southern Knights player as their head coach.

Fraser Thomson will balance Super 6 rugby with his new duties at Netherdale.

On the appointment, Southern Knights head coach Rob Chrystie said: "I know he [Thomson] is absolutely committed to balancing his responsibilities to his Southern Knights team mates with his new coaching obligations at Gala."

Thomson, a former Gala and Melrose player, will coach alongside Opeta (OP) Palepoi, Euan Dods and John Amos.

The development comes alongside the installation of Bill Noble as Gala RFC's director of rugby.

Noble, formerly on Melrose RFC's coaching staff, said he looked forward to a "rewarding" role.

He said: “Gala’s revised coaching structure has been put in place with an overarching focus to build and develop rugby throughout the town, as well as drive the success of the first team.

“This new position will undoubtedly be tough at times, but I’m confident it will also be rewarding.

"I believe we have a good blend of local coaches, who have strong connections with Gala, and who have a wealth of rugby knowledge between them.

"We look forward to preparing and working with the players in the squad and meeting any challenges the new season may bring.”

Gala RFC president Ian Dalgleish said: “These appointments provide the club with a very strong rugby management team to take forward and develop our squad of young local players to the level they are capable of achieving.

“We’ve been consulting with our former professional players, as well as other key individuals, in order to update the approach to rugby in the town and we have realistic aspirations.

"We believe that these positive coaching developments will help drive the club’s ambition, strengthen our position within the club game and engage all levels of rugby in the town as we strive towards the goal of a successful, sustainable and community driven club – something we’d already started to work towards with the launch of Maroon’d @ Gala event which will now take place in April 2021.”

Meanwhile, Chrystie hailed Thomson as a "really talented player", adding: "Through his many years at Melrose and latterly being part of the senior management team of the Southern Knights, he has a great deal to offer any rugby team that’s fortunate enough to work with him."