Murray to take Scottish Rugby role

The club’s longest-serving coach will bid farewell to Glasgow Warriors following this weekend’s Heineken Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle, after Kenny Murray was appointed as Scottish Rugby’s new Head of Player Transition.

Murray, who also takes charge of Scotland U20 with immediate effect as part of his new role, moves on after almost a decade with the Warriors, having been a part of one of the most transformational periods in the history of Glasgow rugby.

Having started his coaching career at Cartha Queens Park, Murray showed his qualities as a coach early on by winning Scottish Rugby’s Coach of the Year award in 2006.

It was his time in charge of Ayr RFC that brought him to the attention of the wider Scottish rugby public, guiding the Millbrae outfit to the quarter-finals of the British and Irish Cup in 2010/11 – the only Scottish side ever to reach the last-eight of the competition.

A league and cup double capped off Murray’s final season in charge of Ayr, with his side lifting the national cup for the third time in his tenure.

Murray was first appointed to the Glasgow Warriors backroom team in the summer of 2013, joining Gregor Townsend’s coaching staff ahead of the 2013/14 season.

Having helped the team reach a first-ever Pro12 Final at the conclusion of that campaign, he was then part of the coaching ticket that delivered the club’s historic Guinness PRO12 title triumph in 2014/15.

An inaugural Champions Cup quarter-final appearance in 2016/17 duly followed suit, before Murray continued in his role following the appointment of Dave Rennie as Head Coach in 2017.

He oversaw his first match in charge of Glasgow Warriors in January 2019, stepping in to lead the club to a 9-3 win over the Ospreys at Scotstoun whilst Rennie attended a family wedding in New Zealand.

Murray has taken charge of the club’s defence since the arrival of Danny Wilson as Head Coach in the summer of 2020, as well as overseeing the arrival of young stars such as Ross Thompson, Ollie Smith and Rufus McLean into the senior setup.

Pete Murchie will take on the club’s defensive coaching role, following this weekend’s crucial Heineken Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle at Scotstoun.

“I’ve loved my time at Glasgow Warriors,” said Murray.

“I’ve learned a lot in my eight years at the club and developed as a person and as a coach.

“I’ve worked under three great coaches and met some great people – players, staff and supporters.

“Player development and coaching have been a massive part of my life and I believe the role of Head of Transition is really suited to my skillset and experience, having worked right through the performance pathway at Scottish Rugby.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on my new role and leading the international coaching programme with the U20s. Bringing through young players is something that is very close to my heart and to get the opportunity to work with and develop players that will hopefully play and win for Scotland one day really motivates me.

“I’d like to thank everyone I’ve worked with – who have all played a role in helping me get to where I am today – and to all the players for everything they have given whenever I have asked of them.”

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson said: “I’d like to thank Kenny for all of his excellent work.

“He has been an integral part of this club for over seven years and has played a massive role in the club’s success through his hard work and attention to detail.

“Kenny is a great man who is hugely passionate about the city of Glasgow and Glasgow Warriors, and he will very much be missed by all at the club.

“He has been a great servant to Glasgow Warriors and we wish him all the best in his new role.”

Glasgow Warriors Managing Director Al Kellock added: “I’ve worked with Kenny for over 20 years in rugby in Glasgow – his impact on so many has been incredible.

“As a young player I benefited first-hand from Kenny’s knowledge, I am therefore genuinely excited about the impact he will have in his new role working with our best young players.

“Kenny’s commitment to Glasgow Warriors has always been above and beyond and his passion for the club can be seen every day.

“The group will undoubtedly miss his rugby knowledge but also his personality and strength of character – he has always understood and driven the culture within our environment.”

Glasgow return to Scotstoun this weekend for a pivotal Heineken Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle ?

Tickets are available in all four stands, so secure your seat and help your Warriors aim for a place in the knockout stages ? https://t.co/Tqq8hrmmmE pic.twitter.com/XcCtJAlzZt
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) January 17, 2022