CARL HOGG has been appointed as head coach of the Scotland Under-20s team for the upcoming Six Nations campaign, with fellow former internationalists Scott Lawson and Nikki Walker being named as his assistants (the latter continuing in his position after serving as attack coach for the age-grade side last season).
“I’m delighted with this opportunity to develop and help shape the next generation of Scotland rugby players,” said Hogg, who will be overseeing the side on a full-time basis. “The different challenge of leading a young squad through a tournament format is an exciting prospect.
“Personally, I know it will be fascinating to watch this talented group grow and mature, something I enjoyed seeing with emerging players at my club sides who went on to represent their countries.”
The former Melrose, Leeds and Scotland back-row was an assistant coach on the senior team’s tour to Canada, USA and Argentina during the summer, filling in during the period between it emerging that Dan McFarland was leaving the set-up to join Ulster and Danny Wilson being named as his replacement.
Hogg started his coaching career in an assistant role at Leeds, then, after spells with Edinburgh and London Welsh, he joined Gloucester as academy manager in 2006, later becoming the senior team’s forwards coach. He moved to Worcester Warriors in 2013 and became head coach at Sixways in 2016. He left the Premiership outfit when his contract expired at the end of last season.
Former hooker Lawson, who represented Scotland 47-times between 2005 and 2018, retired from professional rugby at the end of last season, and is currently Director of Rugby at St Andrews University.
Former winger Walker was a two time PRO12 Champion with the Ospreys and earned 24 caps for Scotland between 2002 and 2011, continues in his coaching role with the age-grade side after overseeing the attack during the 2018 U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship.
Hogg replaces his former Melrose and Scotland team-mate Bryan Redpath as the Under-20s head coach.
World Rugby U20 Champs: Georgia victory means Scots finish tenth