Laney points Kiwi lock in the direction of Melrose

BRENDAN Laney's support for Scottish rugby continues from afar with the former Scotland cap recommending one of his lock forwards to Melrose.

Hayden Mitchell will join Melrose next week from Shirley Rugby Club in New Zealand, where Laney now coaches the senior first XV. When Melrose put out the word that they were looking for a big second row forward to fill a gap in the club's resources, Laney got in touch with coach Craig Chalmers, one of his international predecessors.

"He said Hayden would love a shot across here," said Chalmers, "and that he was a good player who could do well in the Scottish club leagues. You're never really sure how guys will fit in and we'll see how Hayden settles, but it's good hearing from someone like Brendan who knows our game pretty well."

Melrose have also signed Ewan Ford, the younger brother of Scotland and British and Irish Lions hooker Ross, from Kelso. The 23-year-old is known as a skilful stand-off/centre and Chalmers believes exposure to Premier One rugby could open the door to following his brother.

Chalmers added: "I don't see why not. 'Ranks' (Ian Rankin's] comments in yesterday's Scotsman about making sure the door is always being open in Scottish rugby were spot-on, because it's important that there are still opportunities for players who haven't made it to the pro level in their teens.

"Who knows with Ewan? He is coming here to help strengthen our squad and create more competition. He knows, like every player, that he'll have to fight for a jersey, but he'll get his chance and it's up to him. We also have good props Gary Holborn from Jed-Forest and Nicky Little from Hawick coming, and Ben Allen is back from New Zealand as well for this season, and with the strength we have coming through the club I'm really happy with our squad."

Ford, a bricklayer, said: "I haven't been thinking about following in Ross' footsteps to be honest. I've enjoyed my rugby at Kelso, but I've been playing there since I was 17 and the coaches have been very supportive and agreed that I maybe needed a fresh challenge.

"I am keen to test myself in the First Division and see how I can go, and if I can get into the Melrose team. If it led one day to going pro I'd be delighted, but it's one step at a time and we'll just see how I get on this season."

There is a possibility that Jordan Macey, the former Australian sevens cap who has starred for Melrose in recent seasons, may also return, while Calum MacRae, the Scotland 'A' cap released last season by Worcester, has been back in his native Melrose helping with coaching. The former PE teacher could again sport the black and yellow colours if he secures work north of the border.

Meanwhile, Dundee HSFP have also taken on a pre-season fixture with Glasgow Warriors after both teams' pre-season plans suffered set-backs early this week. Glasgow were planning to head to Ayr on Saturday 7 August, but the Scottish Cup champions withdrew stating that they could not host the game. They are instead travelling to second division Gala for a pre-season match on that day before welcoming London Scottish to Millbrae the following week.

Dundee were also left in limbo after Northumberland side Westoe pulled out of their fixture on 7 August. Glasgow answered their call for a fixture and will face the Taysiders at Mayfield on Saturday week, with a 3pm kick-off.