Welcome to this latest edition of TEAMtalk which features much of the good work that’s been going on across Scotland, at all levels in our game.
It’s been a great season so far and I’ve enjoyed getting around as many clubs as possible, to see at first hand the fantastic work going into our sport at the grass roots. Added to that, it’s been great being part of the recent Scottish Rugby roadshows and hearing the views of members as far afield as Inverness, the Borders and Perth.
We’ve enjoyed the opening rounds of the inaugural British & Irish Cup, too, with Ayr, Heriot’s and Gael Force taking on new challenges; and, south of the border, London Scottish are sitting close to the top of National 2.
And, of course, last month, the national side took on three teams ranked above us – those two wins have given us all a real appetite for the forthcoming Six Nations and I look forward to welcoming you to Murrayfield in the New Year.
Meanwhile, a happy and peaceful Christmas to one and all and let’s look forward to a successful 2010.
Reaching the half-way point in the year, we can take a moment to look back – at some great performances on the field and much good development work undertaken – and forward to what promises to be an exciting and challenging year to come.
Our international and pro teams have registered some outstanding performances, with Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh sitting first and second in the Magners League as the attention switched to December’s Heineken Cup action. The national team’s win against Australia, added to Scotland A’s victory over Tonga at Netherdale the previous evening, made for a memorable weekend in November. The youth, schools and club competitions have thrown up some great battles and we look forward to the culmination of the tournaments in the New Year.
In a bid to enable as many people as possible to enjoy our great game, our age grade, women’s and club fixtures will take place in stadia throughout the country, from Selkirk to Stirling to Inverness and many points in between – and all these home fixtures offer free entry to supporters.
I’ve been fortunate to meet some of our most staunch supporters throughout the country, recently, visiting clubs across Scotland along with our President and Chairman. As always, much discussion has arisen and given us all plenty to think about for the future. I have enjoyed the visits and look forward to meeting many of you in the year ahead.
With very best wishes for 2010 and the rest of the season,
Welcome to this latest edition of TEAMtalk which features much of the good work that’s been going on across Scotland, at all levels in our game.
Reaching the half-way point in the year, we can take a moment to look back – at some great performances on the field and much good development work undertaken – and forward to what promises to be an exciting and challenging year to come.