Scotland have moved swiftly to secure the services of former international Nathan Hines after the 77-times capped lock announced his retirement from playing yesterday at the age of 38.
The former British Lion universally known in rugby as “Wagga” after his Australian birthplace has been recruited by Vern Cotter to be a “resource coach” with the national team with immediate effect and also across Scottish Rugby’s pro, development and age-group teams.
Hines, latterly with Sale but a Heineken Cup winner with Leinster and having played under Cotter at Clermont Auvergne during his long career, will effectively replace specialist setpiece coach Massimo Cuttitta, who is quitting after ten years for “personal reasons”.
Hines was initially recruited from Australia to play for Gala on the Scottish club leagues, having played rugby league in his native country. However he quickly graduated from amateur to pro level with Edinburgh and his adopted country, becoming one of European rugby’s best and most abrasive enforcers on the pitch, while being universally popular with fans and team-mates off it.
He was the first Scotland rugby cap to be sent off against the USA in 2002 but went on to win 77 caps, scoring two tries, before retiring from the international game in 2011. However he continued playing club rugby at the top level for another four years with Leinster, Clermont and Sale.
Hines said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to help a country that has given me so much and helped me develop as a player.
“I think that Scotland have got some exceptional young players and I’m relishing the opportunity to help make them better than they already are.
“The chance to work with Vern again is another great benefit of this role. He knows how I work and I know how he works, we got on really well at Clermont and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
Hines’ new role will be to back up assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys and using his “years of international experience, leadeship, technical and tactical skills”, said Cotter.
“Nathan’s always held leadership roles within the teams he has represented, which has enabled him to become a positive communicator,” said Cotter. “He will be an excellent resource for many facets of our game, particularly lineouts and as a role model for our younger players.
“He has a lot of passion for Scotland and I know he will get a lot of enjoyment from being part of the development of our players many of whom are just starting their senior careers and encouraging them to fill the jersey in the best way possible.”