Ayr Rugby Club is pleased to confirm that Ayrshire Bulls have agreed a new contract with Pat MacArthur, to remain Bulls Head Coach for a further two years.
McArthur, who is currently in his second stint as Interim Head Coach, has performed in a caretaking capacity following the departures of both Peter Murchie and Peter Horne to Glasgow Warriors. This new arrangement sees him take on the role permanently for the next 24 months – allowing for flexible working arrangements alongside his current career.
(Photo – George McMillan)
Pat is no stranger to the Millbrae faithful. An Ayrshire boy who came through the Ayr set up whilst schooling at Prestwick Academy. Pat was part of the club 2009 squad who successfully won the Scottish Premiership trophy for the first time.
As a Hooker hewent on to enjoy over a decade of professional rugby with Glasgow Warriors and in addition earning international honours with Scotland during that period.
He was part of the matchday squad that won the GUINNESS PRO12 Championship in 2015.
In his later playing years he joined the coaching team at Ayr, racking up a few more Premiership and Scottish cup honours to his name. Since retiring from playing he has been a key member of the Bulls coaching staff.
Last season he took the Head Coaching reigns for the first time and guided the Bulls to inaugural FOSROC Super6 success. He took over the position of Bulls head coach at the start of this current Super 6 campaign, when Peter Horne departed to Glasgow Warriors.
Ayrshire Bulls currently sit second and in a few weeks’ time hopefully he will lead them to the defence of the FOSROC Super6 title.
The Head Coach selection process took place over a fourth month period and despite his work commitments as a Civil Engineer, MacArthur remained the best candidate for the job with his proven track record. He will perform the role to the same specifications as the five other coaches, with a unique schedule to support him. This model has been developed over the past three years taking into consideration how he has managed the role in the past.
MacArthur’s first job in his permanent position will be this Friday night when the Ayrshire Bulls host Stirling Wolves at Millbrae. The match gets underway at 19.45.