DUNFERMLINE Rugby Club's women's team will be led by a new coach for the forthcoming season, it has been announced.

Gary Kenhard, who has led the squad for the past two campaigns, is stepping away from his role and is to be replaced by Graeme McLaren.

Appointed to the role two years ago, Kenhard has helped oversee a stunning rise for the women's side, whose journey began in January 2019 when Mark Dobson, the then head coach of the men's first XV, first organised a free training programme for female players.

They played their first match two months later and, in September 2021, took to the field for their maiden league season.

Last year, they memorably won the Scottish Rugby Women's Caledonia Midlands / East Division Two title, and the club, in thanking Kenhard, said he was "leaving on a high" following that success.

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Lisa Hamilton-Martin, who will again captain the team for the 2024/25 season, commented: "Gary has done a great job as head coach over the past couple of seasons with the women's XV.

"He came with a wealth of game knowledge and a lot of ambition as to where he saw the team heading. I would like to personally thank Gary for all his time and efforts, and for his continued enthusiasm and determination, regardless of wins or losses.

"Gary's retirement did come as a bit of a shock to the team, as this wasnt something we had discussed prior to the end of last season, however, with him retiring from the police as well, it's the right time for him to take a step back and spend some quality time with his family.

"We hope to still see him cheering us on at McKane when he can!"

In addition to the appointments of McLaren and Hamilton-Martin, it has been confirmed that Chloe Alcorn and Chelsie Martin will be co-captains of the women's XV for the campaign ahead.

Pre-season training for the team begins on next Wednesday (July 17), from 7-8.30pm, at McKane Park, and is open to all women.

The club are keen to welcome players of any experience to join them, whilst outdoor women's fitness sessions, which are free to women aged 18-and-over, will take place within Pittencrieff Park.

Sessions have been running on Sundays, from 9.45-11.15am, and will run on July 14 and July 21, before the final event on July 28, after which a barbecue and social will be held.

For more details, visit Dunfermline Rugby Club's Facebook page.