Scottish Rugby has announced that Scotland assistant attack coach AB Zondagh has left his position less than a month out from the Six Nations.
A tweet posted on Monday confirmed that the 36-year-old South African had moved on from his role due to “family reasons and to pursue opportunities”.
Zondagh, who joined Scotland‘s coaching team in August 2021 in place of Mike Blair after the latter moved to Edinburgh, has been linked with Lyon.
Wish him well in the future
It is unclear whether Gregor Townsend will bring in a replacement ahead of the Six Nations, with the Rugby World Cup also looming on the horizon.
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“AB Zondagh has left his position as Scotland assistant coach for family reasons and to pursue opportunities,” read the tweet from Scottish Rugby.
“We wish him all the best and thank him for his contribution since joining in 2021.”
Alan Tait lands new position
In other news from Scotland, former international Alan Tait has been unveiled as the Southern Knights’ new head coach, stepping up from defence coach.
The former Lions tourist joined The Greenyards Super6 team last year and will now lead the part-time professional programme, it has been confirmed.
Tait scored 18 tries in 27 run-outs for Scotland is a product of Kelso RFC. He went on to feature in two Tests in the Lions’ 1997 tour to South Africa.
He’ll be supported by former Edinburgh and Scotland lock Lewis Carmichael as well as Scott Wight, an ex-Scotland 7s captain and Glasgow Warrior.
Both Carmichael and Wight, who were both products of Melrose Rugby prior to their professional careers, will lead the forwards and backs respectively.
Great honour to take the job
After a successful playing career, Tait went on to assume coaching positions at Border Reivers and Newcastle Falcons and is thrilled with his new job.
“It’s a great honour to be given the chance to head up the Southern Knights Super6 programme and work with two young, exciting and enthusiastic coaches in Lewis Carmichael and Scott Wight,” he told Scottish Rugby’s website.
“We are looking to build an exciting squad and looking forward to working with young and experienced players that want the opportunity to play rugby at the highest level in Scotland outside the pro-game.
“We can hopefully inspire players from the region, and wider a-field, to play in a fantastic competition and support them in reaching their full rugby potential in.”