We are pleased to announce that we have re-launched the Accies Centre of Excellence (ACE) to offer up-and-coming talent between 17 and 22 years of age extra and specialized coaching and support. Support will range from on-field skills and conditioning to nutrition and career advice and players progress regularly reviewed.

Players will be invited to become part of ACE if we feel they have the talent to push for 1st XV selection, yet still making an impact for our 2nd XV and are expected to have played regional or International age grade rugby. ACE will be managed by Director of Rugby, Head Coach and Lead Strength and Conditioning coach and will also draw on support from Scottish Rugby where appropriate.

We are delighted to have invited 4 players this season to be a part of ACE and we look forward to following their progress over this season and seeing what they can do with the opportunity.

Each has already provided glimpses of their ability this season with Struan, Fraser and Ben each putting in some strong performances in the pre-season friendlies and Euan part of the BATs Rugby under-18 team which won the Edinburgh Harlequins 10s tournament at the weekend.

We will always be looking out for new ambitious players that we feel will develop in this environment and be the best they can be. We hope ACE will help us continue our record of developing players to be the best they can be, whether that is becoming 1st XV stalwarts or moving on to excel in the professional game like so many Accies before them.