Andy Rennick leaves Saints for the Borders

By Stockers
May 31 2002

News has broken that Saints back row forward Andy Rennick is leaving the club to join the new Borders district team in Scotland. Rennick has represented Scotland at Under 21 and Scotland A level and sees his move north as an opportunity to gain further international honours

Rennick, interviewed for the SRU web site said, “I am very pleased and really excited to be coming back to Scotland to live and to play professional rugby. Not only will it give me the chance to play in front of home crowds but it will also give me regular exposure to the Scotland selectors. Hopefully I will perform well for The Borders team and whatever comes from that in terms of representative rugby, will be a bonus.”

Also joining The Borders are Scottish Internationalist Shaun Longstaff who returns from Castres along with former Gardens favourite Gregor Townsend and 28 yr old Auckland Blues prop Paul Thompson, who is qualified for Scotland via Scottish grandparents

Tony Gilbert, the new coach at The Borders, who was often rumoured to be heading for Franklin’s Gardens to join up with fellow Kiwi Wayne Smith told the SRU web site, “The signing of these three players gives us real experience at a professional level. All three are competing on a world stage now and we expect them to make a valuable contribution to The Borders.”

Born in Glasgow, Andy Rennick made his first appearance for Scotland A as a substitute in the 23-30 loss to Wales A in April 2002. He represented Scotland at Under 19 level in season 1998-99, including the world junior championship. He played for Scotland U21 against France and Wales in 2001 and was part of the Scottish squad in the SANZAR Tournament in New Zealand in June 2000.

Rennick has certainly been a popular member of the back row union at Saints and has normally impressed on his appearances for the senior team. He has struggled to cement a regular place in the team however, although given the quality of player competing for places in the back row at The Gardens, this is hardly surprising.

Andy will be missed by the Saints faithful, who have been impressed by his dogged style but we wish him well with his new team in Scotland. We await with baited breath for news of Wayne Smith’s new signings for the forthcoming season!