Rugby Lecturer @NikkiWalker_14 to coach Scotland Under-20s for 6 Nations

Borders College was delighted to learn that Rugby Lecturer Nikki Walker has been named by Scottish Rugby as attack coach in the Scotland Under-20s coaching team, ahead of the 2018 Under-20s Six Nations Championship.

The 35 year old ex-Scotland international, with 24 Scotland caps to his name, has played professionally for the Ospreys, Worcester Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby sides, as well as enjoying a three year stint as head coach at Hawick RFC more recently.  He is well placed to undertake this new coaching position, having begun a 2-year UKCC level 4 Coaching qualification at Edinburgh Napier University in 2016 which he is set to complete in May 2018.

Nikki said of his selection:

“I’m honoured to have been asked to have a hand in developing the next potential group of Scotland players. I am very excited to work with a very talented squad and carry on the excellent work that has been done with this age group in recent years. I am also delighted to be working alongside Stevie and Ben who have been doing great work within the SRU developing players for many years now and look forward to coaching alongside them. I must also thank Borders College as my employer in having such a great understanding of what an opportunity it is to coach Scotland U20s and showing a massive amount of support in allowing me time to fully immerse myself in this coaching role.”

Nikki has also been a driving force behind retaining a professional training presence for aspiring rugby players following the disbandment of the region’s Border Reivers pro-team in 2007, through his involvement in the Borders College Rugby Programme and its partnership with the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy (Borders and East Lothian).  He will carry out his U20s coaching duties under head coach Stevie Scott and alongside defence coach Ben Fisher, balancing this with his position as Rugby Lecturer at the College.

Head of National Age Grade, Sean Lineen, said of the trio’s appointment:

“Stevie Scott brings a wealth of experience to role of head coach. Ben Fisher has impressed mightily during the last two seasons, whilst Nikki Walker will bring his own brand of energy and innovation.”

The squad’s first match, a home fixture against France, will take place on 9 February 2018 at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.

Borders College wishes the squad and their newly appointed coaching team the best of luck for the upcoming championship.