Rugby Round-up

International scrum half Bryan Redpath yesterday spoke about his decision to join the French club, Narbonne, next season in tandem with his Scotland colleague Stuart Reid.

Redpath, who was taking part in a pre-tour squad session at Murrafield said: ''Playing in France is something I've wanted to do for some time now. However, the decision to join Narbonne was very much influenced by the fact that the club's director of rugby and coach is Pierre Berbizier.

''So for, me this was a big opportunity to work with a big name in rugby. I know that he's respected throughout the world, both as a former player and as a coach,'' stated Redpath, who will have an immediate empathy with former France scrum half.

Berbizier won more than 60 caps for France in a career that spanned 11 seasons. Thereafter, he established himself as a coach before being handed the task of directing the national side. However, a coup in French rugby and a bad run of results ended Berbizier's career as a national coach.

The former Melrose scrum half admitted that speaking to Gregor Townsend about the possibilty of playing in France had also shaped his thinking, but the overall reason for his move appears to be one of accepting new challenges in his remaining time in top-flight rugby rather than financial considerations.

''It's not about money. It's about the challenge. I've played senior rugby in Scotland since 1989. I have to believe that I can perform in an environment I'm not used to. I saw England and France as the options.

''In the event, I never really went into the option of England. I had talks with a couple of other French clubs, but once Berbizier stepped, in that was it.''

He added: ''I may have to go back to being a joiner in five years time, so I want to make sure I'll have a good time, see a bit of the world, and learn a new language''.

Redpath, who captained Scotland this season, officially signed for Narbonne on Friday on a two- year contract with the option of a third year. His new club, which he will join in mid-July, finished eleventh (out of 24) in the French championship this season and will play in the European Conference next season.

In the immediate future, Redpath will focus on the Scotland tour to South Africa. ''It's a great boost to get back playing,'' he commented.

Stuart Reid's move was always certain when Leeds let it be known that they were reducing their playing staff next season. However, it was his call-up to play for Scotland in Paris that accelerated events. ''Playing for Scotland against France in Paris generated interest from French clubs. Two months ago I thought I'd never get another cap but things have changed since then,'' he said.

The former Boroughmuir No.8 has signed a two-year deal with Narbonne, but after that Reid anticipates a return to duty with Lothian and Borders Police.

''Pierre Berbizier says he wants Narbonne to play like Scotland. We seem to have set the bench mark,'' said Reid.