KEITH RUSSELL has been appointed director of rugby at Stirling County, while Millan Browne has joined the club as senior development officer.
The father of Scotland stand-off Finn and a former director of domestic rugby with the SRU, Russell said: “It’s an exciting time to be leading rugby at County. We are committed to developing our coaches and volunteers, deepening our partnerships with local schools, colleges, the University and the wider community as well as working with the SRU to expand our player and coaching base.”
Browne, whose playing career included a spell with County, has previously worked with the SRU’s Glasgow academy and with West of Scotland on their development of young players. His post at Bridgehaugh will be jointly funded by Murrayfield.
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“Millan’s appointment brings a wealth of commitment, passion and experience to the club,” added Russell, who in addition to his new duties will also continue in post as chief executive officer of Badminton Scotland. “Millan’s track record of building youth pathways across the men’s and women’s game at amateur and elite level will help us build for the future, creating rugby opportunities for our young players.”
The two new appointments are just the latest in a number of changes at County. Eddie Pollock recently took over as head coach of Stirling Wolves, the club’s Super Series franchise. And Jack McIlroy Reid, formerly a media manager first with Glasgow Warriors and then with Strathclyde University, has become the Wolves’ general manager.
County chairman Ryan Fletcher said: “The wealth of experience that Keith and Millan bring will help County realise our vision of being a real engine room of young rugby talent and an integral part of our local community. At the same time Jack’s business development experience gained with Glasgow Warriors and Strathclyde University will be crucial in developing strong relationships with local media and the business community across central Scotland.
“With the Wolves scoring 28 tries in their first five games, and developments on and off the field, it is an exciting time to be at County.”
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