Jason Hendrie will swap the Scottish Borders for the subtropical climate of Bermuda after landing a three-year contract as head of the British overseas territory’s rugby union.
The 39-year-old, formerly a centre or winger for Selkirk and a long-time coach in the Scottish club game, has been rugby development officer at Dalkeith since 2023 and spent four years as head coach there before joining Kelso this summer as backs coach.
Hendrie, who spent more than two decades working as a painter and decorator, has never visited Bermuda and interviewed for the job by video-link. He is awaiting a work visa and expects to take up the role late this month or in early October.
“I’ve never been to Bermuda and I’m definitely looking forward to a bit of heat now the weather’s getting colder in this country,” he said. “I’m going to help with a lot of the performance side of things with the national team and their sevens, women’s and under-19s teams, but I’ll be trying to grow the game as much as possible as well.”
Bermuda are currently ranked 74th in the world — 66 places below Scotland — and Hendrie has outlined a five-year plan to raise that standing. He plans to focus on schools, coach education and creating clearer pathways so island talent can stay and develop at home.
Rugby faces stiff competition on Bermuda, where cricket, football and athletics dominate, but Hendrie says building local structures is key to producing sustained progress.
