Rugby: Burns keeping his options open over coaching roles

FORMER Scotland scrum half Graeme Burns is keeping all his options open as he looks to build on a successful initial foray into club coaching.

Burns, 38, has parted company with Haddington whom he helped climb up from Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division Three while the present season saw them reach the semi-final of the national cup.

A one-time Edinburgh professional captain, Burns says: "I really enjoyed myself at Haddington but will be looking to take a breather for a spell.

"Having said that I'll be keeping options open as regards further involvement."

Currently there are a number of vacancies to be filled on the premier Capital club scene, notably at Heriot's where a successor is required for backs coach George Breckenridge and at Boroughmuir, where they have just announced their head coach, Eamon John, is stepping down.

Watsonians will also be looking for someone to take over as forwards coach from Matt Mustchin when the Edinburgh and Scotland flanker heads off to Japan shortly.

Burns, capped four times from 1999-2000, would not be drawn on any future roles but took pride in having cut his coaching teeth.

"Haddington might lose a couple of senior players but they are well placed to promote from the colts or second team," he said.