BACKGROUND: Why London Scottish moved to appoint Titans coach Nic Rouse

JUST three months ago, Nic Rouse was thrown straight into the job of trying to rescue Rotherham Titans after their dreadful start to the Championship season.
Learning game...Nic Rouse (left) chats with Bedford's Mike RayerLearning game...Nic Rouse (left) chats with Bedford's Mike Rayer
Learning game...Nic Rouse (left) chats with Bedford's Mike Rayer

It was after an early December drubbing at Yorkshire Carnegie that the decision was made to axe Andy Key after ten straight league defeats which had rooted the Clifton Lane men to the foot of the table.

Rouse was handed the reins and even though he didn't manage to drag the side away from bottom spot, the upswing in performance levels put him firmly on the radar of others. 

Now that fledgeling coaching role has landed him a plum head role with London Scottish — and there's little doubt that the Exiles see him as just the man to drag them out of their own current slump.

There's also the irony that it was after Titans had been clubbed 49-14 at Scottish ten days ago that they made the decision to hand him the job. 

Rouse, of course, jumped at it.

Scottish director of rugby Dave Morris, excited about the signing, says the improvements at the Lane since Christmas had put the 37 year-old on their wanted list.

He said: "I'm delighted to welcome Nic and his family to London Scottish. The head coach role is an important development for us moving in to next season as we try to optimise our structure to drive performance on and off the field.

"Nic is well connected with the rugby community, especially in South West London, which will be beneficial across all of London Scottish."

"The turnaround in performances by Titans since Nic has been Acting Head Coach has been very impressive."

Now, of course, Rotherham will look to appoint their third coach inside a year.

The Advertiser has already revealed that Martin Jenkinson will take a more hands-on role as rugby director, overseeing the new team and the recruitment policy.

They had been braced for the news of Rouse's departure and several candidates are already being interviewed by the club board.

There's the full story in this Friday's Advertiser — including where the club goes now.

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