Calum Forrester, the Ayr captain, has been promoted to the position of head coach, in succession to the departing Peter Laverie, writes Matt Vallance.

The 27-year-old former Glasgow Warrior, who has not played since he suffered a serious knee injury while playing against Glasgow Hawks in September, has been a member of the Ayr coaching team ever since, and coached the side to a recent victory over Hawks at Millbrae, when Laverie was unavailable. "Ayr have eased me into this new role," he said. "I have been a member of the coaching team all season, involved in selection and learning the process of team management."

Forrester will be supported by Glenn Tippett, as forwards coach, Scott Forrest, as backs coach, succeeding Colin Ireland. Dougie Stanley, the veteran team manager, will continue in that role. "Tipps I played with for Ayr, while Scottie and I go back together to our days in the Junior Academy, as Warriors apprentices and with the Scotland Sevens squad," said Forrester. "We are already planning for the new season,"