GHA Rugby Club can today confirm that Calum Forrester will be stepping down from the role of Head Coach at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, with Jamie McCarthy appointed as the club’s new Head Coach.
We are delighted to announce that Calum will transition to the GHA Board of Directors ahead of the club’s AGM as Director of Rugby Operations, continuing his significant contribution to GHA. Calum’s knowledge of the Scottish club game and his experience with the Glasgow Warriors as an ex-professional player will add crucial rugby expertise to the GHA Board.
Building on his substantial contribution to GHA’s recent successes on the pitch as Assistant Coach, Jamie, a former GHA 1XV captain now steps into the Head Coach role. A teacher at the High School of Glasgow and former coach for the Glasgow and the West District forwards, Jamie brings continuity, a deep knowledge of the playing group and a proven track record within the current coaching setup, positioning GHA well for the next phase of its development on the pitch.
Gordon Adams, President, GHA Rugby Club, celebrated the announcement:
“GHA wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Head Coach Calum Forrester, who has advised the club that he will be stepping down as Head Coach at the end of the season.
Fozzy has been a tremendous influence on building our rugby programme, and this season has led GHA to their highest ever Premiership finish, as well as the Scottish Cup semi final. It is however inarguable that the “GHA Invincibles” season 24/25 is where Fozzy left an indelible mark on our club’s history, leading our 1XV to the National 1 league title and the Scottish Cup – going undefeated in the process. All GHA supporters will remember that season fondly as the club scaled new heights.
Our players have benefitted massively from Fozzy’s leadership, professionalism, and ability. The results on the pitch speak for themselves as does the number of players playing representative rugby.
As one coaching era ends; a new one begins and we are delighted to welcome Jamie McCarthy as Head Coach from next season. Jamie is a highly regarded coach who has been integral to the club’s recent success. The club has every confidence in Jamie to lead our talented playing group, something aided by his strong working relationship with Fozzy.”
During Calum’s tenure as Head Coach, GHA enjoyed one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Highlights included securing the National 1 league title and Scottish Cup double in the 2024/25 season, followed by an impressive 6th place finish in the Premiership during the 2025/26 campaign. Calum’s leadership was also recognised regionally with East Renfrewshire announcing him as Coach of the Year in season 2024/25.
In his new Board role, Calum’s primary duties will be to recruit players and backroom team members, manage the senior coaching team to drive the continued progression of senior rugby across the club, engage with Dameon Chaney, GHA Director of Youth Performance to integrate GHA youth products into the senior teams, and represent GHA at Scottish Rugby forums.
Assisting Jamie McCarthy will be Colin Sturgeon, who will take up the role of Assistant Coach, having been the 1XV backs coach since last June. Club stalwart Andrew Goudie will also be a player/coach with responsibility for the GHA backs. Kevin Wyness will coach the scrum and contact skills.
