Glasgow respond to end of URC title reign with new coach appointments

Former Scotland Sevens internationals Scott Forrest and Roddy Grant have joined Glasgow Warriors’ coaching team ahead of next season, following the departure of defence coach Pete Murchie.

Scotland Sevens’ former captain Forrest has been involved with the Warriors’ academy over the past season, but will now make the step up to join Franco Smith’s staff.

Former Edinburgh flanker Grant, meanwhile, is currently assistant coach of Georgia, having previously worked as forwards coach at Ulster, and will move to Scotstoun after taking on South Africa next month.

Elsewhere in the coaching team, attack coach Nigel Carolan has signed a new deal with the club, with Al Dickinson continuing as scrum coach.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Glasgow

14:05

26 Sep 25

Sharks

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Glasgow’s United Rugby Championship title defence came to an end last week with a 37-19 loss to Leinster in the semi-finals, and they have acted swiftly as they switch their focus to next season.

“I’m really looking forward to working with everyone – it’s an incredibly exciting coaching group,” said Forrest.

“Having had the opportunity to work alongside Franco and Nigel over the past season in my role with the club’s A team and academy, I’m excited to take this a step further over the coming seasons.

“I’d also like to mention that working alongside Pete Murchie this season has been of huge benefit – he leaves huge large shoes to fill, but I’m excited to build on the excellent work he’s done since leading the team’s defence.

“My time spent coaching the U20s over the past few years, as well as my time with Scotland Sevens, mean that I know a lot of the players at the club, and having been in the environment over the last year or so I’m looking forward to continuing to build those relationships.

“I’ve always tried to give players the autonomy to make decisions as ultimately they are the ones that have to perform in high pressure situations. I’d say that I have a positive approach whilst always working to instil the standards required to perform at the highest level.

“I know Roddy well from our times playing for Scotland Sevens together, and I’ve seen him go on to develop into a top-class coach. It’ll be great to work alongside him once again and I’m confident we both have a lot to contribute to the environment at the Warriors.”

Grant added: “I’ve had so much respect for Glasgow over the last two decades of being involved in the BKT URC – Franco [Smith] is such an impressive coach, and such an impressive person.

“The opportunity to come into such a successful environment and such a top-level culture was one I jumped at, and I’m looking forward to being able to contribute to that environment.

“It’s a really exciting group here. Having coached against Franco for a number of years, I can’t wait to work alongside him. I’m a huge admirer of Nigel’s work as well, he’s been hugely successful wherever he’s been. To have the chance to work with Scott, too, is a special opportunity. We’ve known each other since 2006, so to be able to coach alongside each other is an exciting prospect.

“I like to believe that I treat people how I’d like to be treated, both on and off the field. I appreciate technique, and the art and science behind everything we do. The great thing about pro sport is that you’re around incredible people, and I hope to make those strong connections with everyone here at Scotstoun.”

Smith said: “We are pleased to be able to confirm our coaching group as we turn our attention towards the new season.

“I would first like to once again thank Pete [Murchie] for everything that he has done for this club on and off the field over the past three seasons, and everyone at the club wishes him and his family well with their new adventure.

“We are pleased to be able to retain Nigel’s services as we prepare for the new campaign – he is someone that is thoroughly respected by everyone in both the playing group and backroom team, and his experience and expertise are valuable assets to the club.

“We are also excited to welcome Roddy and Scott into their new roles – both men have already shown that they are fully bought into what we are looking to build here, and the players and I are looking forward to working closely with them when pre-season gets underway.”