Iain Paxton will head up the coaching of the under-21s while Peter Wright takes on the role with the under-19s.

Former British Lions number eight Paxton won 36 caps for Scotland and has spent the last six years coaching with Boroughmuir.

He joined the under-21 coaching team last season, assisting former head coach Jonno Phillips, and he believes the time is right to make the move into full-time coaching.

Paxton said: I'm delighted to have been offered the job.

Full-time rugby is something I have shied away from in the past but I think this is the right time for me to be involved.

Over the years, between playing and coaching, I feel I have gathered a lot of information and I'd like to share that at this level.

Being involved last year gave me a feel for the post. Jonno was an excellent head coach and I learned a lot working with him and I'm looking forward to starting the position.

Wright won 21 caps with Scotland and toured New Zealand with the British Lions in 1993. He currently coaches at Glasgow Hawks.

He said: It's something that I think I can make a big difference in.

Hopefully I can add some steel to Scotland's promising young players.

I've really enjoyed working as a development officer but this will be a step up and give me a chance to work alongside our elite players and help mould them into future Scotland internationals.

Scottish Rugby's director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: As we introduce the elite performance programme, the way forward is to develop sporting partnerships.

Our links with sportscotland are essential for us to deliver high performance coaching for our talented young players.

I would like to thank sportscotland for their support and financial contribution.