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Champ club name ex-England hooker as Redpath's replacement

EXETER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: London Scottish's Head Coach Joe Gray during the Rugby Union Friendly match between Exeter Chiefs and London Scottish at Sandy Park on August 24, 2024 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Bob Bradford - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Ex-international Joe Gray has been promoted from head coach to Director of Rugby at London Scottish following the news that Bryan Redpath will stand down from the role at the end of the season.

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Gray, whose only England cap came off the bench against the All Blacks in June 2014, was the natural choice of the Exiles’ board, having been at the club for almost four years and gained further experience in that time within the England and Harlequins setups.

“I am very excited to step into the role, I want to thank the board, staff, coaches and players for all their support over the last few years and their faith in me going into next season,” said the 37-year-old former hooker.

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“Brush [Bryan Redpath] will be sorely missed with his experience across the game and running a professional set up but I’m excited to put my own stamp on it knowing he’ll just be a phone call away if I ever need anything.”

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London Scottish President Stephen Pearson said it was an easy decision to make: “As soon as Joe joined London Scottish back in 2022 we have all been incredibly impressed with him as a coach, person and rugby mind. He has done some brilliant things with the squad so far so when Bryan announced he would be leaving at the end of the season Joe was the obvious successor.

“I am very happy to keep a core group of coaches and staff together for next season, this continuity will stand us in good stead going forwards. I wish Joe and his staff all the best heading into the new season but for the rest of this season as well.”

What division Gray will lead London Scottish in next season is still not decided. It is all but mathematically certain that the Exiles (13th in the table) will have to play Richmond (12th) in a Champ relegation play-off.

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The loser of that match will then play the winner of the play-off between the sides that finish second and third in National One – as long as they meet the Champ’s entry criteria – in the Champ Accession Final. The Champ Accession Final winners will then join the National One winners in playing in the Champ in 2026/27.

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