Glasgow Hawks Rugby Football Club


Glasgow Hawks Development XV v Combined School Leavers XV
Wednesday 30th March 2005
Old Anniesland


On behalf of Brian Simmers (Chairman) and the Board of Glasgow Hawks RFC we welcome you to Old Anniesland for the match against the Hawks Development XV.
This match has a specific purpose and that is to introduce you to after school rugby. We understand that you will be leaving school in June this year and setting off on the next stage in your life which may be to University, College, employment or a gap year when you will travel the world.
Rugby is a universal game and rugby players are welcome in every clubhouse in the globe. Most rugby clubs cater for those who wish to play the game seriously and those who want a bit of exercise and companionship.
The jump from school rugby to adult rugby is significant as you will longer be playing exclusively with boys your own age and many of your team mates may be significantly older than you. This should not concern you as age becomes a non-issue and you will be treated similarly no matter your age.
Rugby is the most social of all team sports and rugby players who have retired will tell you that they still have a significant number of friends that they made playing rugby.
Rugby, of course, in the professional era can earn you a living but for the vast majority of players it is fun and fitness that they seek.
Rugby Clubs are not just for those that strive to reach the top, you will be equally valued playing for a Junior XV.
It is for these reasons that we ask you to continue playing after you leave the confines of school rugby. Adult rugby has a different set of disciplines and these are nearly all self-imposed. They are the need to set yourself targets and goals and to get yourself as fit as possible. The other disciplines are set within the laws of the game the need for mutual respect for your fellows and being an ambassador for the sport.

Across the complex that encompasses Old and New Anniesland we believe that we have the best set up and facilities within the Scottish Club game. Hawks field two sides and a Development XV. The 1st XV are the Scottish Champions and well on their way to retaining their title. The 2nd XV are also Scottish Champions and they too should retain their title.
The Development XV is an under 21 side made up from players playing for associate clubs Glasgow Accies and GHK and young players in the Hawks 2nd XV. We also have an arrangement with Marr RFC that allows some of their better young players to play in this side. The Development XV invariably play mid week under lights.
We would like you to come and join us next season. You may not make the 1st XV or even the 2nd XV in you first season and so we may second you to one of the Associate Clubs to give you time to develop your rugby further.

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We will watch your progress carefully and when you are ready you will be given your chance.
Hawks take a pride in their coaching set up and you will be exposed to some of the best coaches in Scotland. We are also careful with the health and well being of our players and run regular physio clinics for players who have an injury

You may be leaving Glasgow next year; even so we want you to keep in touch. You can play with us when you are at home, especially during September and the University holidays. Or even if home for a weekend and want a game. It only takes one phone call.

Training starts early July on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6-30pm. Pre season training is a must if you want to avoid injury.
All through the summer there are programmes for weights and touch. Accies run a touch competition on Thursday evenings and all are welcome. Come along and join in or bring your own team of 6.
Please complete the attached form so that we can keep in touch with you.

We hope to see you all next season and thank you for playing tonight. We hope that you enjoyed the Hawks experience.

Alasdair Graham
Development Manger

This article was posted on 29-Mar-2005, 12:11 by Hugh Barrow.