New look Perthshire gears up and gets going for preseason.

Hard work has begun at the North Inch as Perthshire Men’s team return for preseason 2023-24. A busy off season saw Director of Rugby Graham “Smudge” Smith named as Head Coach and further appointments have strengthened the coaching team. Sarah Hogwood returns with a wealth of experience & ambition for the teams and Graham Binnie steps up from successful roles in the Midi Section. Craig Manson has joined too, from rebuilding the 2XV at Howe of Fife, he will lead the charge for Perthshire 2XV.

The players have started positively, despite the intermittent weather, turnout is good and morale high. Both the 1XV, now competing in the newly formed National League Division 4, and the 2XV, returning to Caledonia Midlands Region League Division 3, have real opportunities to progress and make their mark in the season ahead.

Relishing his new role, Head Coach Smudge has a plan and the team in place drive improvement throughout the squad, “Following the restructure of the league, and building on the positive progress of Alan Clark, last year’s Head Coach, we have assembled a new look and positive group of coaches. Each has a lot of experience to help the team and I firmly believe this group will bring further development to the Senior Squad and see the fortunes of the club turn around.”

Another new leader in the squad this year is Club Captain Rhys Darlington. Stepping up he believes Perthshire have what it takes to challenge in both leagues, “There is a strong positive attitude across the squad at the moment with every player working hard both in the gym and on the training pitch. Our new S&C coach, Mhia Mouat, is putting this work ethic to good use and pushing the fitness levels of the squad even higher. I’m confident that if the boys carry this energy and work rate into the season then the results will follow and we’re in for an exciting time at the North Inch.”

The first test of these new approaches will be next month when Perthshire embark on preseason fixtures, including at the Blairgowrie 10s and away to Forrester, before the league campaign begins on 2nd September away at Murrayfield Wanderers.

The squad has recruited new players and there are many returning too. Training is at the North Inch every Tuesday & Thursday night, 6:30pm-8pm. Players of any ability are welcome to join the squad, get in contact by e-mailing Head of Senior Section Ewan “Macka” MacKessack-Leitch.

Photographs taken by Football East Region.