The United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) Level 4, which aims to increase the standard of Scotland’s performance coaches, was introduced for the first time in Scotland last season.
Delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Napier and sportscotland, it aims to develop visionary, outstanding and knowledgeable decision makers, who can advance their own, and others, learning and impact on performance.
This season’s enrolment will see six coaches with experience from across the club and school game undertake the two-year qualification, as Scottish Rugby continues to nurture its best home-grown coaches.
Ben Cairns (Currie Head Coach and Scotland under-18 Assistant Coach), Ross Miller (BT Sport Academy Skills Coach and former Melrose Development Officer), Nikki Walker (Hawick Head Coach), Fergus Pringle (East Lothian Development Officer and former Currie Assistant Coach), Colin Sangster (Dundee HSFP Head Coach and former Scotland age-grade), Scott Forrest (Ayr Assistant Coach and former Scotland Women 7s coach), will all embark on the qualification.
Scottish Rugby’s Coach Development manager, Neil Graham, said: “This course will provide an opportunity for Scotland’s top up and coming coaches to accelerate their development.
“Edinburgh Napier University has first-class expertise in talent development, psychology and leadership, all of which are essential ingredients for coaching at a performance level.
"We’re delighted to have them and sportscotland on board, as we seek to enhance the development opportunities available to talented Scottish coaches.”
The University’s Sighthill campus is home to the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy, Edinburgh.
Image shows: L/R: Scottish Rugby Coach Development Manager Neil Graham, Currie Head Coach Ben Cairns, Ayr Assistant Coach Scott Forrest, Dundee HSFP Head Coach Colin Sangster, BT Sport Academy Skills Coach Ross Miller, East Lothian Development Officer Fergus Pringle, Hawick Head Coach Nikki Walker.