Dunfermline Rugby Football Club has today (Thursday 9 June) confirmed the appointment of Gavin Emerson as the new men’s Head Coach following Stuart Brown’s retirement from the role.

Emerson’s coaching career began in 2013 with RAF Lossiemouth where he honed his skills as both a player and coach. During his 15-year-long career as a survival equipment specialist, Emerson played with the RAF 1XV and coached RAF teams to competitions in Cyprus and America.

The former second-row and number eight now works for Scottish Rugby as the Youth and Schools Programmes Officer, supporting the development of rugby programmes for young people.

Emerson (36), brings a wealth of experience from the surrounding area having previously worked with Fife-based clubs Glenrothes and most recently Howe of Fife, taking them to third place in Tennent’s National 3 in the 2021/22 season.

In this new appointment, Emerson will have overall responsibility for the men’s performance rugby at Dunfermline and will take charge of 1XV training and match-day duties, with overarching responsibility for the 2XV.

Speaking about his appointment, Emerson said: “I am delighted to be taking up the new head coach position at Dunfermline. The player base and volunteer group within this club are focused and driven, and to have the opportunity to help shape and develop a group who are keen to progress is really exciting.

“I am looking forward to building relationships with remaining senior coaches and adding to the team where required to provide the player group the best possible coaching experience.

“I have a lot of passion for the sport and for developing players, and I have great ambitions for this club, in particular for the 1XV. There's a good balance of experience and backgrounds and I'm looking forward to getting to know the players and their strengths better so we can mould that into making Dunfermline both good fun to watch and most importantly, successful.”

Dunfermline President, Kevin Storie added: "Now we have returned to fielding three competitive men’s teams, it is clear there is no shortage of passion for the sport in Dunfermline. As the club continues to develop, increase its senior player base, and grow its connection with the local community, it was vital to find an individual who could build on the excellent foundations laid down by Stuart Brown and support the enormous work put in by the many coaches across the club.

"I believe Gavin will be an excellent fit not only for the inclusive ethos of our club, but for our collective ambitions to become better and contend with some of the best clubs in the country.”