Border Reivers have today signed one of Scotland's most experienced and well respected rugby players.
Stuart Grimes, Scotland's fourth most capped player with 71 caps, arrived at Netherdale this morning to begin pre-season training with the squad having signed a two year deal from Newcastle Falcons where he played for seven seasons.
Affectionately known as Lord Grimes, the former Scotland captain has notched up 120 appearances for Newcastle and scored an impressive 15 tries for the English Premiership side.
Grimes said: "Moving to the Borders is hugely exciting for me because I will be hooking up with coaches that know me and who I've played with before. I worked with Steve at Newcastle and I played for Scotland with Alan Tait and George Graham so the relationship I have with the coaches is already very strong.
"The Borders is a young and ambitious side and have made huge improvements in their performances last season so hopefully I can make a big contribution to the club and Borders rugby.
"My main focus for the coming seasons will be the Celtic League which I've never played in before, and travelling to Wales and Ireland for away games will definitely keep me on my toes.
"Also, with competition for places in the Scotland squad becoming increasingly tough, it would be an added honour for me if I could make a return to the Scotland team for next year's Rugby World Cup in France.
"That aside, I'm just really looking forward to returning to Scotland and being a part of Scottish rugby once again."
Grimes began his rugby career in his home town of Aberdeen where he played centre/fullback for Robert Gordon's college, but a switch to lock soon brought representative honours his way. After representing Scotland Under 21 and Scotland A, Grimes went on to star in all four of Scotland's victories on their way to the Five Nations grand-slam in 1999.
Reivers head coach Steve Bates added: "From our point of view, we are incredibly fortunate to have signed a player of Stuart's undoubted international quality and experience and we are really looking forward to his contribution both on and off the field."
Stuart has a degree in Economics and Accounts from Edinburgh University and in 2004 was awarded a masters degree from Northumbria University in real estate management.