RISING rugby star Paddy Harrison went back to school last week when he coached Peebles Piranhas.
The former Peebles player, who has joined Edinburgh Rugby’s academy, found no problem in dialling it down a notch for primary age passes with the town’s most enthusiastic sports stars.
Paddy said it was the first time he had returned to Peebles High School since he left aged 17.
And he marvelled at the new 3G training pitches which did not exist in his day – just three years ago.
Paddy said: “When you come to mini rugby training, it is as if you have forgotten what it was like to be that small.
“I did not mind school but wasn’t particularly keen on studying.”
The young star recommended playing as much sport as possible and said: “I loved all sports, especially running, but was not good enough at football.
“I also played tennis and badminton which are great for hand-eye coordination.
“At school I really looked up to my three elder brothers, Jack, Richard and Robert, who played for Peebles.”
So far this season Paddy has scored a few tries, when it has mattered too – in the 25-17 win against Cardiff in October and against Glasgow Warriors and Zebra Parma.
The farmer’s son, from West Linton, has a flat in Edinburgh but still spends a lot of time at home.
He said: “One of the best forms of training is sheep shearing and farm life is all so physical.
“Most farmers have a pretty hard work ethic which is what gets you the furthest in rugby, but wherever the game takes me I will probably return to farming one day.”
That ethic should stand him in good stead and, joking, he said: “There is a guy on our team who is 38 so hopefully I have some time to go and so far I have not played too many games and attracted injuries.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here