Scotland Appoint Graham Coach

Scotland Rugby League are delighted to announce the appointment of former captain Nathan Graham as the new coach of Scotland A. Nathan, who retired from the professional game last October after captaining Scotland in the European Nations Cup, will take over Scotland?s second string from Kevin Rudd, who is now Rugby League?s European Development Officer.

?I?m very excited to be involved in the coaching of a Scottish National team as I?ve always been very proud to play for Scotland,? said Graham, who is Scotland?s second-most capped player of all time. ?I see this as an ideal way of keeping involved with the game now that I?ve finished on the playing front and maybe it might lead to other coaching opportunities. I?m looking forward to the challenge and hoping to build on all the hard work done in the past by former coaches, such as Kevin Rudd.?

Full-back Graham finished last season with Batley after a fine club career which included playing for Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, playing in three successive cup finals for Dewsbury Rams, including captaining them to the first division in 1999 only to see the club denied a place in Super League, and spells with Featherstone Rovers and York City Knights.

Graham, age 33, is appointed on a voluntary basis and will continue his work with anesthetists in West Yorkshire hospitals. Gavin Willacy will work alongside Nathan as Scotland A manager with captain Ash Carroll remaining a part of the management team.

Scotland A play Wales away, England away and Ireland at home in the Parkhouse Recruitment Four Nations Championship this summer. Graham?s duties begin in May with a trial weekend ? details to be announced on www.scotlandrugbyleague.org.uk