GRANT Talac plans to stand down as Musselburgh RFC head coach at the end of the season after guiding the club to National League Division 1 safety.

Victory over Dundee HSFP on Saturday ensured their place in Scottish rugby’s second tier for a fourth consecutive season, much to the delight of the Burgh head coach.

After five years in the role, he told Courier Sport: “I’m stepping down as head coach to take up a coaching role within the club’s youth set-up.

“Given the performances over the last three weeks of the younger generation within the club, the supporters and the new coaches have a lot to look forward to next season.”

The Burgh boss, who works for East Lothian Council, said of Saturday’s win: “I was delighted with the result – we played really well and with good structure until the last five minutes, when we conceded three tries through a lack of concentration and trying some speculative plays.

“That being said and as disappointing as the late collapse was, the win was the most important thing as it guaranteed us our National 1 status for next season.”

The former front-row forward was looking forward to his final two games in charge – a trip to relegated Falkirk on Saturday, then his farewell game against Gala next Saturday (April 7).

Talac added: “We now have two where the pressure is off and we can hopefully go out and get two wins to finish the season building for next.”

And he singled out the youngsters in his side for praise, adding: “The young guys that have came into the side over the last three matches, initially replacing some stalwarts through unavailability, have delivered 12 points out of a possible 15 and have played really well.

“Hopefully they can build on this in preparation for next season."