Perthshire’s director of rugby Graham Smith is taking leadership to the next level - by also becoming the club’s head coach.
In an unprecedented move, Smith, better known as ‘Smudge’, plans to turn the first XV’s fortunes around and help the Eagles soar into rugby’s higher leagues.
It’s just the first step in the club’s reinvention as discussions to significantly upgrade facilities begin.
The former Royal Marine, coach, trainer and rugby development expert’s vision for the club is far-reaching.
He thinks Perthshire Rugby can become one of the best clubs in Scotland - and he knows success comes in many forms.
Smith said: “I go back to some of the principles I learned in the marines, ‘prior preparation and planning prevents poor performance’.
“I know that we need to turn the fortunes of our first XV around - and that’s what I intend to do.
“As a group, our senior players must change the approach to the game and I will facilitate that, bringing out the best in all of the squad.
“We have a dedicated group of players who all see the vision of where we want to take the team and club.
“The club has a huge amount of volunteer support too and this is a real strength when we consider what we are collectively trying to achieve.”
He also believes the club’s principles of sportsmanship, pride, respect and inclusion is what will carve out the future for the club.
That and its ethos will aid the journey to the level the club deserves to achieve.
Smith explained: “Our CEO Allan Brown’s vision of a performance-led community club is great. I fully believe we can do that.
“My vision is that our club will be one of the best clubs in Scotland to be a part of.
“But success comes in many forms... the longest journeys start with the smallest steps and we are embarking on the next phase of the journey in Perthshire’s long history.”
Club secretary Bob Lindsay said he was “thrilled” that Smith has agreed to take on the role.
“We know he will be able to do great things on the coaching side,” Lindsay explained. “He is very experienced and extremely knowledgeable.
“And so for the club to have him as our head coach and director of rugby is exactly what we need to take our first XV into the higher leagues.”
Perthshire Rugby’s CEO Allan Brown said: “We are delighted to announce that the senior team is now going to led by Graham Smith and are confident we can turn things around this year.
“It’s a really exciting year for the club as we look to embark on a major project for the club which will see a significant upgrade in our facilities.”
Perthshire’s men’s team will be plying their trade in National League Division 4 this season.
Fixtures have already been released for the September start with the Eagles facing a curtain-raiser against familiar opposition in Murrayfield Wanderers.
