Dalziel: Lions call-up 'a real pinch yourself moment'
Last updated 26th Mar 2025
Former Melrose coach John Dalziel has been named Assistant Coach with the British and Irish Lions ahead of their upcoming tour to Australia.
The 48-year-old former Galashiels Academy pupil, who kicked off his career at Netherdale and is currently part of the Scotland backroom team, is describing the call up as a "real pinch yourself moment", and says he's "hugely honoured".
The 10-game Tour gets underway with a game against Argentina in Dublin in June, and culminates with three tests against the Wallabies down under.
Dalziel, who has also played for the Border Reivers and Scotland Sevens, said: “Being selected as assistant coach for the British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle for any coach and is something I’m hugely honoured about. It’s a real pinch yourself moment.
“I’ve heard a lot of stories about the Lions and grew up watching the tours and documentaries. This will be more intense than anything I’ve ever experienced given the frequency and importance of the games. It’s a massively exciting opportunity.
“I am appreciative of Scottish Rugby for the experiences I’ve been given here which has allowed me to be selected. Throughout my time here I’ve always focused on keeping my head down and working hard to be the best coach I can be for Scotland. I’m fortunate that someone has seen something in that work to appoint me in this role.”
READ MORE: Borders stars take centre stage at Murrayfield's centenary celebrations
Dalziel joined the national team as Assistant Coach in August 2020 following a successful stint in a similar role with Glasgow Warriors.
Previously John had been head coach of the Scotland 7s national team as well the Head Coach of Scotland U20, leading them to a best-ever finish of fifth at the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia.
The squad for the British & Irish Lions tour will be announced on May 8th.
Dalziel said: “We have our first coaches meeting this week in London and I would imagine the topic of selection will be high on the agenda. The players still have a lot of rugby to be played between now and the final selection so even guys who missed out on the Six Nations through injury could still make a case to go on tour.
“The depth and quality of the players we have in Scotland is really encouraging and I’m optimistic that we’ll be well represented.”
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/
Rayo Premium