Iain Paxton Speaks to Simon Furnivall

Since Iain Paxton joined the coaching staff at Boroughmuir the Meggetland side has had both ups and downs. The former Scotland international however, is confident that there are more of the former to come. In an exclusive interview 'Paki' said, "In 3-5 years time I would like to see Boroughmuir regularly challenging at the top of the league, putting together consistent Cup runs and being established as one of the best clubs in Scottish rugby". Paxton though, was not as foolhardy as to claim that this could all be done in 'Muir's first season back in the top flight, "This season I would like us to establish ourselves back in Division 1".

The poor start to the season has not gone unnoticed by the coach. "In the first game against Melrose we were unlucky. Some of our players are inexperienced at this level, we've had a few players missing after the Student World Cup, and we didn't have any really challenging games pre-season. In the game against Hawick I think we forgot how difficult it is to play against a borders side in the borders. We do though have a strong squad with around 30 players capable of playing for the 1st XV this year so I think we can turn it round".

Iain is "thoroughly enjoying" life at Boroughmuir. He commented that, "When I started playing I was at Glenrothes and after that I was travelling from Fife or Edinburgh to Selkirk. When I started coaching I was travelling from Edinburgh to Glenrothes. When I got the opportunity to coach at a side in Edinburgh it had the advantage of cutting out all the travelling. Also, I have always known people at Boroughmuir because my wife has played for the hockey club for 20 years". Paxton also intends to be a member of the club for a long time to come. "If there was a point in the future when I wasn't coaching at Boroughmuir I would like to stay a member to keep the association going".

Paxton is very aware of the importance of the social side of the club, "It's extremely important, because when all is said and done we are a club. The 1st XV players should still have time to talk to the 2nd and Meggetlands. There are varying levels of ambition at the club, some people want to play for the 1st XV and still hold down a day job. There is a mix of personalities, shapes and sizes all the way through the club and that is how it should stay".

Turning to the wider rugby scene, Iain says he was a "great supporter" of the Super Districts at first but now he is not so certain. "At first I thought it was definitely the right direction to take but now I'm not so sure. I don't think they're filling the professional role that they should. On the other hand though, I don't believe that the clubs are strong enough to turn professional and the level of the top players is too high for the clubs. I also don't believe that the two districts are enough".

He is much more positive on the future of the Scottish club scene. "The future is bright, although it may not return to the level of pre-professionalism. Scottish rugby doesn't have the same infrastructure as in England and Wales. In Wales rugby is the number one sport and in England there is a huge population of rugby players. English and Welsh clubs have also retained their identity through professionalism. Scottish clubs simply aren't big enough, but we can get better".

In short, whilst Paxton and his thoughtful and positive attitudes are on board at Boroughmuir things will keep getting better.

Simon Furnivall