Glasgow Academy have appointed Phil Smith, the Heriot's coach and a former Edinburgh player, as their new head of rugby.

Smith, who began his club career at Dunfermline, recognises the challenge he faces in moving from Edinburgh to Glasgow. "I've always worked in the east and I've always been intrigued by the difference in rugby styles at the two ends of the M8," he said. "I hope my experience of working with several top clubs in the east will rub off in my new post as head of rugby at Glasgow Academy."

Glasgow Academy kick off their season with a trip to Dundee High on Saturday.

Dollar Academy have made a similar appointment in the shape of the former Gloucester and Scotland B centre Don Caskie who has spent three years as national coach in Georgia where he was also the national academy manager.