EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS
Muir and Heriot's pair in signings swoop
BILL LOTHIAN

BOROUGHMUIR and Heriot's have bolstered their squads with notable signings ahead of the new Premiership club rugby campaign.

In a double swoop 'Muir have recruited former Glasgow Hawks and Ayr prop John Malakoty, who has taken up a teaching appointment in the Capital, as well as Scotland under-19 scrum-half Stuart McGhee from Stirling County.

For Heriot's all-round depth has been added with versatile Scotland sevens captain, Mark Lee.

Both 'Muir newcomers could debut in tonight's pre-season friendly against Hamilton which will go ahead at Police Headquarters, Fettes Avenue (kick-off 7.30pm). Hamilton have already faced Heriot's this summer and are looking forward to playing in Division Two having gained promotion in 2005-06.

Heriot's coach Bob McKillop is delighted by the acquisition of Lee who, as well as being a former Edinburgh professional who retains links to the Border Reivers, added to his experience by leading Scotland at this year's Commonwealth Games sevens tournament. He said: "Mark brings a strong element of hardness both physical and mental. On top of that he has leadership qualities and a lot of versatility."

First task for McKillop is to establish the availability of Army officer Lee, who has played professionally at scrum-half and flanker, for Saturday's friendly at home to Moseley. McKillop added: "Mark has an attachment to Borders while recently he has been battling a leg infection but we are hoping to draft him as quickly as possible into a squad now gaining shape. Moseley, in operating just below English club rugby's top flight, will be a major test."

Meanwhile, Boroughmuir's first game at the new Meggetland development is likely to be a friendly against the Leeds Academy XV on Friday, August 18.

This article was posted on 10-Aug-2006, 11:53 by Hugh Barrow.