Ayrshire Bulls have confirmed that Rob Harley, Pete Horne and Dean Kelbrick have joined Pat MacArthur’s backroom team for the 2021 Season.
Ayrshire Bulls today confirmed their coaching team for the 2021 season with head coach and former Glasgow Warrior Pat MacArthur being joined by current Glasgow Warriors players Rob Harley and Pete Horne and former Ayr 1st XV Captain Dean Kelbrick as assistant coaches.
Headed up by MacArthur, the coaching group brings with it a wealth of club, professional and international rugby experience with the high-level appointments showcasing how FOSROC Super6 is fast becoming a platform for aspiring young coaches to gain valuable experience before moving onto the next stage of their coaching career.
Speaking about the announcement, head coach Pat MacArthur said, “I’m absolutely delighted to have Pete, Dean and Rob working with me. They all bring so much knowledge, experience and game understanding to the team.”
“They are all very well respected and I know they want to support the development of our players. I’m confident we will develop a culture around hard work and effort, both on and off the pitch, that everyone at the club can be proud of.”
On taking up his Ayrshire Bulls assistant coaching role, current Glasgow Warrior and 43 time capped Scotland centre Pete Horne said, “I’m really looking forward to getting started with the Ayrshire Bulls.”
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen from the players, we’ve got a really good bunch of guys with a good work ethic.”
“I get on really well with Pat, having played with him for years at Glasgow Warriors, and I’m looking forward to building towards the new season with him, Rob and Dean.”
Forwards coach and Glasgow Warriors most capped player of all time, Rob Harley, said, “I’m looking forward to getting started at Ayrshire Bulls.
“I have a good history working with both Pat and Pete and I believe we’ll complement each other as a coaching group.”
“We’re all excited for the season to get underway and to begin working with the squad.”
Also joining the coaching team is Dean Kelbrick, a former Ayr 1st XV Captain. He was part of the club’s first ever double league and cup winning team in 2012/13. Since retiring, the strong running mid-field player has been involved with coaching several different teams, the Scotland U20 Women’s team and both the Hillhead Women’s and Men’s 1st XV’s.
Dean said, “It’s great to be back at Millbrae. I had a very enjoyable time here with lots of good memories.”
“I know this place means a lot to so many people. There is such a strong culture and community feel to this place. Of course, I also know the crowd has become used to winning. That’s something I’m sure we all want to see continuing.”
Ayrshire Bulls front-of-shirt Sponsor, Jim Kirkwood from Allanvale, said, “For me, this just shows the ambition the Ayrshire Bulls have, and everyone associated with them. This looks like a great coaching team; I can’t wait to get along to Millbrae and support the team.”
Ayrshire Bulls, along with other FOSROC Super6 teams, will be making squad announcements in due course.