Thirteen members of Scotland’s Rugby World Cup squad today thanked clubs and schools from around the country that have played a significant part in their rise to the international team.

In an initiative organised by Scottish Rugby’s Community Marketing Department, the players were given the chance to donate a signed piece of their old training kit to a club or school.

Colin Reid, Community Marketing Manager, said: “The players nominated the clubs or schools that had played a part in their rugby development. We then got them to sign training kit, have framed the kit and today the players are presenting the kit to teachers, coaches and players from the clubs and schools, who have enjoyed a behind the scenes tour at Murrayfield in the lead-up to the presentation.

“It’s the players’ way of recognising the support they’ve received and thanking clubs and schools in a tangible manner,” he added.

Scotland players presented their kit to the following clubs/schools

Marcus Di Rollo – George Watson’s College – (represented by coach Andy Barnett and first XV players Stuart McInally and Callum Blyth)

Mike Blair – Edinburgh Academy (represented by BATs DO Iain Berthinussen and BATs players Jamie Miller and Lewis Niven)

Scott Lawson – Biggar High School – principal PE teacher Blair Young and players Angus Thomson and Colin Arthur

Euan Murray – Williamwood High School – Mary Anderson, PE teacher and sports co-ordinator; and players David Stoddart and Scott McInnes

Andrew Henderson – Lenzie Academy – PE teacher Chris Scott and players Andrew Culbard and Murray McConnell

Dan Parks – Garnock RFC – Bill Walker (president), Jim Hood (board member) and Jimmy Wilson (board member)

Allan Jacobsen – Preston Lodge High School – PE teacher Graeme Bennion and players Glen Muir and Robbie Gordon

Kelly Brown – Earlston High School – PE teacher Scott Renwick and players Richard Ferguson and Ronan Runciman

Sean Lamont – Blairgowrie HSFP – Neil Carrie

Scott Murray – Preston Lodge RFC – Coach Graeme Bennion and players Glen Muir and Robbie Gordon

Chris Paterson – Galashiels Academy – Rob Moffat (former rugby coach at the school)

Hugo Southwell – Currie RFC – Ruaridh Pye (development officer)

Rory Lamont – Glasgow Hawks RFC – players Greg Woolard and Andrew Duncan

This article was posted on 29-Aug-2007, 19:51 by Hugh Barrow.