PETE Horne has called time on a playing career that saw him win 45 Scotland caps and make 182 appearances for Glasgow Warriors, including the PRO12 final victory in 2015. Now 32, the inside centre is to take over as head coach with the Ayrshire Bulls.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be retiring on my own terms, after a career with both Glasgow and Scotland that I’m immensely proud of,” he said. “Having spent many years playing under some of the very best coaches in the game, I have been inspired to follow in their footsteps and make the move into coaching myself.
“I know I’m so very lucky to have experienced all that I have, and to have done so playing alongside my childhood best friend and my little brother [Glasgow scrum-half George Horne] has been a dream come true. I have relished every moment of my 13 years and look back on it with only the happiest of memories and great pride.
“Thank you to all who have supported me on my journey so far – I will forever be grateful to each and every one of you. Here’s to the next chapter!”
One of the most conscientious professionals in the game, Horne made his Warriors debut in 2009. His first Scotland cap came against Samoa four years later, and he was subsequently a member of the national squad at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.
Glasgow Warriors managing director Al Kellock, a team-mate of Horne’s in that PRO12 final six years ago, said: “Pete’s journey through rugby has been an inspirational one – from winning the Schools Cup with Bell Baxter and his time at Howe of Fife, to all of the memorable moments he’s had in both a Glasgow and a Scotland shirt, his standards have never wavered from wanting to be the best.
“For any young kid growing up and wanting to play rugby, Pete is a perfect example of how to approach your rugby and how far you can go. He’s been a phenomenal team-mate and a phenomenal friend to so many at Glasgow Warriors. I’ve had the privilege of playing with him and also seeing the influence he has had on shaping the club as it is today. He’s a first-class professional that takes a huge amount of pride in making sure he is exactly where he needs to be.
“Pete undoubtedly has a tremendously bright future ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing how he develops as a coach at Ayrshire Bulls; he’s someone that will always remain close to the heart of this club.”
Warriors head coach Danny Wilson added: “Having made over 180 appearances for Glasgow in 12 years at the club and representing his country, Pete has achieved a huge amount in the game.
“It’s rare in the modern game that a player spends their whole career at one club and Pete’s passion and commitment to Glasgow Warriors should be celebrated.
“He’s been a key part of our leadership group for a number of years and will be missed by all at the club.
“His attention to detail in his preparation both on and off the pitch is outstanding and recently his work mentoring our younger players and helping ensure the team taking the field are fully prepared has been fantastic.
“Pete has been a great servant to this club and we wish him, his wife Kirsten and their children all the best for the future.”
Horne will officially take up his new post with the Super6 champions on New Year’s Day. He will succeed his former Glasgow colleague Pat MacArthur, whose work commitments have prevented him from becoming a full-time coach. Ayr explained yesterday that Horne in fact successfully applied for the job last March, but MacArthur agreed to act as head coach until now in order to let him finish his playing career.
Before then, Pete Murchie, also a former Warrior, was head coach of the Bulls. He is now one of Wilson’s assistants at Scotstoun.
I remember his debut season (at Firhill) like it was yesterday when Peter and Chris Fusaro came into the Glasgow team. Saying distribution was his forte somehow seems like damning with faint praise, but no doubt Warrriors were at their best when he played 12. Highlights were his Heinekin Cup slalom try vs Northampton and the wonderful dink by little Horn which Pete ran on to to score . . . conceived in a back garden in Cupar . .
A really good player and comes across as a fine bloke. It’s a shame he wasn’t left to focus on his best position at 12 rather than being pressed into the spotlight of 10, which never worked out as well. It’s unfair that a few people will judge unfairly overall due to his relatively brief spells at fly-half.
Quite a fine XV emerging of former internationals and professionals now earning their living as employees of SRU and associated ventures (Pro Teams, Academy, Super 6)
P Murchie
S Lamont
B Cairns
P Horne
N Walker
G Townsend
M Blair
A Dickinson
R Ford
G Strain
A Kellock
S Munro
J Dalziel
S Forrest
A Strokosch
C Macrae, S Lineen, C Beattie, B Easson, G Beveridge
S Lawrie, A Kelly, P McArthur, F Gillies (Why are hookers so keen on coaching?)
(Why are so few former props employed by SRU?)
S Turnbull, T Holmes, S Riddell
Wow that is some record! A clever player and for some time the best passer in Scottish Rugby. I remember one try versus Oz where he just walked across the line whilst others stood and watched. He made the most of his talents and will make a great coach.
A fine player who served clubs and country with distinction. Good luck to him at the Bulls. Rock on, Pete!
I’m gutted TBH. Glasgow and Scotland always played their best rugby with Pete on the park. Hugely under rated by many.
I wasn’t always convinced by Peter however I have huge respect for his commitment to both Glasgow and Scotland. He clearly got every ounce of success in his career. I’d like to think he’ll be a great coach.
A true professional and a real servant for Glasgow – lets all wish him the very best in his new role.
Thought this was coming and it looks a good move forward. Always one of my favorite Glasgow and Scotland players in a variety of positions and a member of the 2015 team. I raise a glass to you and thank’s for many great results over the year’s and wish you success going forward.