EDINBURGH ACADEMICALS claimed the National League Division One title with an emphatic 7-52 victory over Selkirk at Philiphaugh this afternoon [Saturday], and with that secured automatic promotion into the Premiership next season.
Head coach Derek O’Riordan says plans are already well under way to build the squad for the step up.
“We’ve been speaking to players since February, but guys were understandably reluctant to commit until they knew which division we were going to be playing in because they want to be competing at the highest level. Now that we have that clarified we can pull the trigger on some of our recruitment next week,” he explained.
“In terms of our current squad, Matt Coupar is retiring this summer, but everyone else is staying on. With a few new faces we are really looking forward to getting out there next season and making our mark.
“With no relegation, the pressure is off, and hopefully that will make it a really exciting, attacking league.”
Jed-Forest into play-off
Accies’ success means that Jed-Forest must go through the emotional roller-coaster of a play-off against Glasgow Hawks on 5th May to see if they are also going to be in the top flight next season.
The Borderers did all they could to finish top – securing a bonus-point 29-43 victory at Dundee – but their inferior points differential coming into this final round of matches meant they needed Accies to slip-up.
Lasswade
Was told today it’s at Lasswade
@EdinburghAccies @DundeeHighRugby @NL1rugby @JedforestRFC Any rumours on a venue for Hawks vs Jed? ?
Lasswade
Lasswade confirmed, I believe