GLASGOW CHAIRMAN POINTS THE WAY AHEAD

Speaking at this evening’s Glasgow Rugby Awards dinner, Bill Nolan, chairman of the Glasgow District Rugby Union, suggested that further changes in the structure of Scottish Rugby were “almost inevitable as the dynamic process that is now driving Scottish Rugby continues to evolve.” At the same time, he also invited his audience of close on 600 players, officials and supporters to “learn the difference between a daunting challenge and a great opportunity”, suggesting that, by embracing the latter, “clubs, public bodies and local authorities working in union, within whatever new or renewed structure might be adopted, would ensure a bright future for the game in Scotland.”

Nolan, who also represents Scotland on the IRB and sits on the Executive Committee of that body, continued: “The World in Union, as being driven by the International Rugby Board, is important globally, but, for us, Scotland in Union and, particularly, Glasgow in Union are not only achievable but essential.”

However, he was at pains to point out that such success would only come from all elements working together with “a common sense of purpose and direction, objectively and openly, and with no hidden agendas”. He said: “The hardest part of taking on a position of responsibility, particularly on a national or district scale, is that you have to be seen to be totally neutral and completely objective, and, outwith club rugby, that has to apply across the game. You have to put aside previous loyalties or prejudices and simply do what is best for rugby. Doing anything else will not only mean that you have let down the people who put you there but also your actions will come back to haunt you.

“It can be a tough call”, continued Nolan, “and, as some of us have experienced, you have to make decisions, the consequences of which underline that exercising personal responsibility is not some sort of popularity contest. Your elected reps sit on the SRU to represent the views of Glasgow’s clubs and to serve the interests of every club in Glasgow District, and that must never be forgotten.”

Less that 24 hours after the Glasgow professional team had claimed Scotland’s No.1 spot in next season’s Heineken Cup in front of a crowd of 4400 at Hughenden, making Glasgow Rugby the city’s third-best supported professional team behind The Old Firm, Bill Nolan challenged Glasgow’s rugby public to get behind the team next season. “For a pro team to survive and flourish in Glasgow, it has to be viable, sustainable and properly supported.” he said. “And the most effective way for that to happen, as has been shown elsewhere, is for it to be the apex of every rugby ambition in Glasgow. It has to become fully integrated with the clubs and with the local community, including the local business community. In short, it has to become part of Glasgow - a demonstration of Glasgow in Union.”

On a night that was long in praise and short in criticism, Nolan was able to report a remarkable 48% growth over the past five years in participation by clubs from within Glasgow District in the different SRU-managed age-grade competitions. “Five years ago”, he said, “90 teams from this District took part in the SRU’s age-grade programme - today 133 teams from this area are involved from S1 to Under 18s. That spectacular growth - higher than the national average growth rate - is due to development officers and club volunteers working together as a demonstration of what can be achieved via Glasgow in Union.”.

Hamilton, with their 100% league record in National One and their second successive promotion, pipped Glasgow Hawks and Cartha QP as Glasgow’s Club of the Year, and the Lanarkshire club rounded off a remarkable night when David Gemmell won the National League Player of the Year award and club president Ian Smith claimed the Club Personality of the Year award.

In other categories, Ayr’s high-scoring James Noonan was awarded Premiership Player of the Year while Glasgow’s popular captain, Jon Petrie was voted Pro Team Player of the Year. Andrew MacPherson (of Ayr) won the nomination from the West of Scotland Referees’ Society as their Referee of the Year. In the Clubs’ Sponsorship category McQueen Removals of Oban won recognition for their support for Oban Lorne RFC.

In an emotional close to the awards two of the rugby’s stalwarts - Tom Howie (Glasgow Hawks) and Frank Harrow (Kilmarnock) - were presented with Lifetime Achievement awards for their service to the game over many years. Harrow, has been a member of Kilmarnock RFC for 50 years this year and has been the club secretary at Bellsland for almost half of that time whereas Howie served with a distinction for many years on the Glasgow Committee, of which he was chairman of the Glasgow selectors, before being involved in the formation of Glasgow Hawks, where he served as club chairman last season when the club achieved a remarkable Premiership and Cup “double”.

The Awards Dinner, the proceeds from which are used to fund the Glasgow Thistles Skills Development Initiative for young players, raised almost £15,000 on the evening.

This article was posted on 18-Apr-2005, 18:30 by Hugh Barrow.