The Co-Optimists’ head coach Scott Wight has acquired legendary status in and amongst the town of Melrose, as well as farther afield. Having represented Melrose RFC since the age of 10 – the club where his father played, and grandfather was president – Scott was appointed captain in of the 1st XV and remains the clubs highest ever points scorer. The Melrose local won several accolades as a player, including an impressive haul of numerous Premier 1, Border League and Melrose Sevens titles. Scott signed his first professional contract with Glasgow Warriors before getting the opportunity to train with Scotland Sevens in 2014. For Scott, this was a dream turned reality. Growing up with the home of sevens rugby in his backyard, winning numerous titles in both sevens and fifteens, and leading his national side as captain, Scott Wight has done what most could only dream of.
Scott reminisces fondly about his playing career, listing winning The Melrose Sevens in 2011, being the first Scottish captain to win an IRB World 7s series, being a member of the first Scottish team to ever beat New Zealand at any level, and taking part in The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 as some of his greatest playing achievements.
Scott’s coaching career is equally as prestigious. He was head coach of Scotland women's 7s, winning back-to-back trophies with his squad, putting Scotland’s Women back at the top of the table of World Rugby once again. Scott has experience coaching Border Under 20s, The Scottish Men’s 7s as skills coach, Club XV Scotland head coach, as well as being the current head coach of Selkirk RFC. And he is now a Co-Optimist!
Wighty is delighted at being invited back to Melrose as a part of the resurgence of the Co-Optimists, and relishes the opportunity of bringing an incredibly competitive side to The Greenyards. Scott states that he loves working with new people, and gaining new knowledge from others’ experiences – and invitational rugby is all about that. Players, coaches, and those passionate about the game sharing experiences and creating stories. Wight is constantly on the hunt to learn more – from anyone willing to share their knowledge, opinions and experiences. According to Scott, game of sevens is ever-evolving – players are becoming more physical, more pacey, more skillful and - with the implementation of more substitutes and larger squads – these players will be able to provide even more impact. Scott is looking to bring a new energy to The Co-Optimists, being able to cherry-pick the greatest attributes from this talented Co-Optimists squad as they look to lift The 1883 Centenary Cup. Wighty’s done it before, and he’s eager to repeat history as a coach.
Humble, knowledgeable, and raring to go, Scott states: “Growing up in the area and having the home of sevens in your hometown – having an Olympic sport founded in Melrose – I’ve been fortunate to grow up surrounded by the history”. Everyone at The Co-Ops is delighted to have the passion and experience of Scott Wight, and we wish him and the rest of The Co-Optimists well at The Melrose Sevens!