CARL HOGG will leave his role as Scotland Under-20s head coach after next month’s Junior World Cup to take charge of the Ospreys forwards.
“I’m excited by the challenges that lie ahead next season with the Ospreys, but I also understand my responsibility and loyalty to the Scotland Under-20s players to ensure this World Rugby U20 championship is as successful as possible,” he said.
“There is no doubt we’re in a tough group alongside South Africa, New Zealand and Georgia but sport is all about taking your opportunities and turning the odds in your favour. I look forward to leading this great group of young men into the contest.”
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“Having operated as a coach in England for over 15 years, I am excited by the different challenges which lie ahead in the Guinness PRO14 and adapting to this multi-nation competition,” he added. “It is a fantastic opportunity to work with quality people, outstanding players and an organisation which shares the same values as me.”
Capped five times by Scotland as a player in a career that saw him represent Melrose and Leeds Carnegie with distinction, Hogg cut his coaching teeth at the Headingley-based club alongside former England head coach and current Leinster senior coach, Stuart Lancaster.
After spells at London Welsh and Edinburgh, Hogg joined Gloucester, initially to head up the Academy in 2006, before being appointed as forwards coach, adding defence to his responsibilities over a seven-year spell at Kingsholm.
In 2013 he joined Worcester Warriors where he spent five years as head coach, overseeing a promotion back to the Premiership in 2015. He left Sixways last summer to join the SRU, working as forwards coach on an interim basis during the summer tour to Canada, USA and Argentina, before taking the reins of the national Under-20s team last October and guiding them through this year’s Six Nations.
“I’d like to thank Carl for his work with the squad to date and in advance of next month’s World Rugby U20 Championship,” said Scottish Rugby Technical Director, Stephen Gemmell.
“While it’s disappointing to see any member of staff leave the set-up it’s pleasing to see another Scottish coach operating within the Guinness PRO14.
“We wish Carl all the best in his new role and with the season coming to an end. We’ll now take time to review all of our programmes and to consider how best to move forward for the season ahead.”
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