I’m delighted to have this opportunity to introduce this edition of TEAMtalk – also available as a new-look paper version on request from Clubs – as we get underway with what is already an action-packed year of rugby at all levels. Since taking on the role of President, I’ve been fortunate to meet many of you on my travels which, to date, have taken me from Lochaber to Stornoway to Struan to the Isle of Arran and Selkirk and many points north and south.
It’s been a real pleasure to meet so many dedicated and enthusiastic players, supporters, officials, volunteers and all-round stalwarts at these clubs, festivals and events – and to hear the many and varied views on how to keep progressing our sport! I’m keen to hear all opinions and suggestions on my travels over the coming months.
One of my first dates as President was to the Struan summer camp in Perthshire. It was a privilege to meet the latest group of talented youngsters working hard to make their mark in the game. I was amazed at the amount of hard graft by the coaches and all the ‘backroom’ staff that goes into making the week happen – and that has done over the duration, with the Camp celebrating its 30 th anniversary this year.
On to Stornoway, to experience the first Scottish Hydro Electric Cup fixture of the new season, where the home side took on Montrose at Bayhead. Expectations and excitement are always high for that opening game whatever the level, from international to minis, and the buzz resounding across the Isle of Lewis that day was no exception. My thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable day – and for the local black pudding presented to me on departure!
Starting off with the talent of tomorrow, I’ll end with the stars of yesterday! Edinburgh recently welcomed thousands of vintage players to the Golden Oldies Rugby Festival, where 218 teams from all over the world took part. Coming from as far afield as the Cook Islands and Russia (Shetland and Aberdeen!) these club stalwarts were living proof that our game is one where the spirit is always willing – even if the legs were a bit past their best. It was a privilege to meet so many enthusiasts – and a humbling experience to personally take to the Murrayfield pitch against the South African Legends, featuring the likes of Joel Stransky.
Rugby truly is a sport like no other, with the friendships forged and commitment demonstrated by so many to ensure the growth of their club and the wider game. I look forward to meeting many more of you over the next months and wish you all the best for the season.
Now well into the season, it’s apparent that the summer ‘off’ season has been anything but, with much planning and hard work going on at all levels of rugby throughout Scotland.
Something that will be touching rugby at all levels over the next two seasons is Scottish Rugby’s ‘We are Scotland’ communications and marketing campaign – showing several Scotland internationalists tackling the elements at iconic locations throughout the country. Plenty of community links have been enhanced through featuring some of the more remote areas where rugby is very much alive and kicking. The latest element, ‘Granite’ was recently launched in the self-named city – featuring Aberdeen lad Jason White – where many local initiatives are underway in the run-up to the Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Test at Pittodrie Stadium on 22 November. Don’t miss the video features at www.scottishrugby.org
We’ve had much to celebrate about investment in grass roots rugby recently, with a welcome message of support from the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who lauded the increase in school teams entering this season’s Bell Lawrie Cup as we launched the 2008/09 competition at his old school, Kirkcaldy High. Investment of a people perspective was also highlighted during September’s SVQ ceremony in Alva, where 13 community coach apprentices – sponsored by rugby clubs and working in tandem with Scottish Rugby’s community rugby department – graduated with a Scottish Modern Apprenticeship. Throughout their training, these young men and women have delivered the opportunity to participate in rugby to thousands of schoolchildren the length and breadth of Scotland , helping to boost the growth in playing numbers even more.
Our national stadium has underlined its popularity as a top venue for a host of high profile sporting events. We look forward to welcoming the current world number one team New Zealand, closely followed by Webb Ellis World Cup holders South Africa to Murrayfield for the opening two Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests; three RBS 6 Nations home matches in the spring; rugby league’s Magic Weekend on 2/3 May; our National Finals on 10 May; the Heineken Cup Final on 23 May, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens on 30 and 31 May and the Oasis concert on 17 June.
In addition, a wealth of Magners League and Heineken Cup action featuring Edinburgh rugby will be played out on the Murrayfield turf, all enhanced by our investment in two massive TV screens which will improve supporters’ big-match experience – an experience, it was recently announced, that is worth millions to Scotland. According to the findings of a study by Napier University , matches at Murrayfield are set to be worth more than £100 million to the Scottish economy in season 2008-09.
Looking further ahead, we have recently confirmed our bid to host or co-host RWC 2015 and/or RWC 2019. We’re committed to ensuring any decision is in the best interest of growing the game and leaves a lasting legacy for the sport in Scotland , and will be conducting a detailed evaluation of what’s involved in hosting or co-hosting RWC 2015 and/or 2019. At this stage in the process, however, we believe that a four Home Unions bid would make a compelling proposition for world rugby.
Exciting times ahead – and at the heart of it all will be the many players, volunteers, coaches and ‘backroom’ staff that work tirelessly for the good of rugby. My ongoing appreciation to all involved in ensuring the game flourishes at all levels and I look forward to welcoming you all to the Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests at both Pittodrie and Murrayfield.
I’m delighted to have this opportunity to introduce this edition of TEAMtalk – also available as a new-look paper version on request from Clubs – as we get underway with what is already an action-packed year of rugby at all levels. Since taking on the role of President, I’ve been fortunate to meet many of you on my travels which, to date, have taken me from Lochaber to Stornoway to Struan to the Isle of Arran and Selkirk and many points north and south.
Now well into the season, it’s apparent that the summer ‘off’ season has been anything but, with much planning and hard work going on at all levels of rugby throughout Scotland.