HERIOT’S Rugby Club have announced their coaching line-up for the Blues Women team ahead of the Tennent’s Premiership 2023-24 season, with Craig Robertson taking over as head coach when pre-season gets under way in July after being part of the Blues Men coaching set-up at Goldenacre since 2020.
Rhona Hume, who is also Director of Women and Girls Rugby at the club, will look after the backs. She is a former Scotland player with more than 15 years coaching experience. Off field Rhona has worked with elite athletes for 20 years as co-founder of Red Sky Management.
Ruth Slaven-Ross, a former head oach of Heriot’s Blues Women and ex-Scotland player with 10 years coaching experience across youth and women, will oversee the fowards.
And Claire Mackie, who has an MSc in Strength and Conditioning and is undertaking UKSCA accreditation, will be the S&C coach.
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‘‘It is a great time to join the squad and I am looking forward to working with coaches and players this season to continue the upward trajectory that the squad are on,” said Robertson. “There could not be a better time to be involved in the women’s game in Scotland and I hope to make a positive impact.’
Slaven-Ross added: “One of the benefits of coaching is remaining part of that team environment within rugby, which is so special. Having a diverse coaching team like we have is inspiring to me as a coach but also unique and incredibly valuable for the players.”
Hume said: “It’s been quite the journey over the past four years with Blues Women contributing massively to a transformation at Heriot’s Rugby Club. The players have been as much a part of the effort to develop the team as management. To reward this squad of strong, kind women with a coaching and support structure they deserve is incredibly satisfying.
‘‘We had quality applicants for the head coach role, from all over the globe, many with international pedigree. Craig however, brings a special set of skills to leverage the best from our whole club. He epitomises our one club ethos and is the best person to drive us to achieving our full potential.”
Mel McCallum, President of Heriot’s Rugby Club, said: “We are pleased that Craig has been appointed to HBW coach. We are well aware of his abilities in both coaching and team management. Craig’s step up underscores the importance we place on women’s rugby and our ambition to top the premiership.”