Scotland
Retiring Nathan Hines takes up Scotland coaching role
ESPN Staff
May 6, 2015
Nathan Hines of Sale Sharks carries the ball against Wasps
Nathan Hines of Sale Sharks carries the ball against Wasps© Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Sale Sharks lock Nathan Hines will retire from rugby at the end of the current season before taking up a new two-year coaching role with Scotland.

The former Scotland and British & Irish Lions player has been recruited to assist Vern Cotter's side as a resource coach and will leave Sale midway through his two-year deal.

Hines was capped 77 times over 11 years and retired from international rugby after the 2011 World Cup. He is expected to bring a wealth of technical and tactical experience to his new role, particularly his expertise in lineout play, in preparation for this year's World Cup.

Hines told Sale's official website: "This is a fantastic opportunity to help a team I played with for 11 years, and one I obviously want to do well; a team 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. They've got huge potential and I want to help them in their development. 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, which might have been part of the decision why he asked me to come on board. We got on really well at Clermont and I'm looking forward to working with him again.

"Part of helping the team mature is sharing my experience and showing them how not to make the same mistakes I did, on my travels, and in my 11 years playing for Scotland."

Hines, who won the Heineken Cup with Leinster in 2011, will work alongside Cotter for the second time in his career after the Kiwi coach signed him for Clermont Auvergne in 2011.

Scotland head coach Cotter said: "Nathan has a huge amount of experience, not only in rugby union, but also in rugby league. His speciality is the lineout but we have seen, both for Scotland and other teams, that he has a very broad skill set.

"He will be an excellent resource for many facets of our game, particularly lineouts and as a role model to our younger players. He has always held leadership roles within the teams he has represented, which has enabled him to become a positive communicator. That will be important as we go into a very tough Rugby World Cup pool.

"Nathan has been involved at the highest level, so his ability to communicate his experiences to the group and to individuals will be very useful.

"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."

© ESPN Staff

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