AYRSHIRE BULLS head coach Pat MacArthur has appointed current Glasgow Warriors players Pete Horne and Rob Harley, along with former Ayr Club XV captain Dean Kelbrick, as his assistants for the next Super6 campaign.
The part-time league has been in Covid-induced hibernation since last March but is expected to return in late July, assuming that the loosening of government restrictions continues as planned.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have Peter, Dean and Rob working with me,” said MacArthur. “Super6 is all about improving the standards for players and coaches.
“They all bring so much knowledge, experience and game understanding to the team. I really feel this coaching team will help raise our levels. “They are all very well respected and I know they want to support the development of our players. I’m confident we will develop a culture and play a type of game all our supporters and sponsors can be proud of”
Horne, who has been capped 45 times by Scotland at either stand-off or inside-centre and played 181 games for Warriors, has previously coached at Glasgow Hawks, GHK and Stirling County.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started with the Ayrshire Bulls,” he said. “I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen from the players, we’ve got a really good bunch of guys with a good work ethic.”
“I get on really well with Pat, having played with him for years at Glasgow Warriors, and I’m looking forward to building towards the new season with him, Rob and Dean.”
Back-five forward Harley has 21 Scotland caps and recently became the first ever player to make 250 appearances for Warriors. “I’m looking forward to getting started at Ayrshire Bulls,” he said. “I have a good history working with both Pat and Pete and I believe we’ll complement each other as a coaching group.”
Former centre Kelbrick was a member of Ayr’s first ever Premiership and Cup double winning team in 2013. Since hanging up his boots he has coached the Scotland U20 Women’s team, as well as the Hillhead Jordanhill Women’s and Men’s 1st XVs.
“It’s great to be back at Millbrae,” he said. “I had a very enjoyable time here with lots of good memories. I know this place means a lot to so many people, there is such a strong culture and community feel to this place.
“Of course, I also know the crowd has become used to winning, and that’s something I’m sure we all want to see continuing”.
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