Former professional rugby league player Richard Metcalfe attended his first training session at Goldenacre last week as the new Heriot’s Rugby Super6 Team Manager.
Richard joins Head Coach Andrew Kelly, Forward Coach, former Glasgow Warrior hooker, Fin Gillies and Strength and Conditioning Coach Jordan Welsh as part of the coaching and management team.
His recent appointment fills one of the two Heriot’s Rugby Super6 Team Manager positions advertised in August for the North Edinburgh semi-professional franchise.
Richard believes his experience as a professional player for Gateshead Thunder in Newcastle will enable him to offer valuable advice to the Heriot’s Rugby Super6 squad.
‘‘I have played at that level so I understand where the lads are coming from,’’ he said.
‘‘I have faced rejection myself in rugby and in my career. I can be that sounding board for some of the younger lads.’’
Currently, Richard works professionally in project management in the construction industry after almost a decade in the British Navy.
The voluntary role that will see Richard down at Goldenacre two nights a week for training and attending match day.
‘‘This allows me to the opportunity to gain experience in the operations side of the club, with an emphasis on elite performance. The team manager role uses my experience from my time in the military and suits my personality,’’ he said.
Having only retired from playing in 2017 due to a heart defect, Richard is keen to be involved with rugby union, which he played at school and college before choosing to play rugby league professionally.
He has been following the progress of the Super6 as a new competition after moving from London to Scotland, where his wife is from.
‘‘It is what Scotland needs to bridge that gap. I think you will find some more guys staying in the game with more of an emphasis on development,’’ he said.
‘‘I am also looking forward to seeing rugby being played in the summer months.’’
Caption: Richard playing for Royal Navy in the Navy Rugby League Tri-Nations Tournament against the Royal Australian Navy team at Leichhardt Oval in Balmain, Sydney.