FORMER Scotland flanker Pater Walton has been recruited by Scottish Rugby as SQ (Scottish Qualified) performance player transition manager.
His previous job was with Gloucester Rugby as head of academy, and prior to that he had a spell with Bristol Bears, as well as 10 years with the RFU where he held the position of international performance coach, operating as forwards coach for the England age grade sides, ranging from U15s to U20s.
“Walton will work closely with head of player transition Kenny Murray by leading and developing the SQ Performance Programme to provide a clear performance pathway for Scottish qualified men and women’s players aged over 18 who have the potential to play U20s, with Scotland international teams or Edinburgh Rugby/Glasgow Warriors,” said a statement by Scottish Rugby.
Murray said: “Having a man of Peter Walton’s experience join us will be of massive benefit to Scottish Rugby as we aim to scour the globe to discover the best players eligible to play for Scotland and make a pos-itive impact to both our club and international sides, adding depth to those players based within Scotland.
“We already have Rob Brierley in position, targeting Scottish qualified male and female players under the age of 18 but this new role will help widen the net to ensure we give ourselves the best possible chance to explore every avenue when it comes to players who have the ability to benefit the Scottish game.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here