Players with Glasgow’s premier junior rugby union team were celebrating on Friday when the Royal Navy flew into town to provide them with new kit.




A Sea King helicopter from the Royal Navy’s search and rescue unit at HMS Gannet in Prestwick delivered the new strips in a special air drop, before landing at the Anniesland fields.




The team members were presented with the tops at half time in front of a crowd of some 1,200. Members of the Royal Navy’s regional business unit, who secured the sponsorship for the Glasgow Hawks’ Midi team, were also present.




And, once the match was over, the team’s youngsters were invited to have a look around the helicopter and chat to the air crew.




The young rugby players of Glasgow Hawks’ Midi team are delighted to have secured the backing of the Senior Service and look forward to cutting a dash on playing fields around Scotland.




“These players all show tremendous enthusiasm and commitment and we’re delighted to be able to support them in this way,” explained Lieutenant Commander Gary Farmer, one of the Royal Navy’s regional business managers in Scotland.




“Teamwork, discipline and determination are key on the rugby pitch, but they are also qualities which mirror those found in the Armed Services.




“We’ve been really impressed with just how enthusiastic these young Hawks are and we will be watching their season’s competition with interest.




“The Royal Navy has been delighted to be able to help the team out in this way – they all look very smart.”




Glasgow Hawks’ Chief Executive, Kenny Baillie, said: “We are really delighted that the Royal Navy has felt able to help us.




“The team takes pride in being part of Hawks and the most significant outward sign of that is the strip – it’s what everyone sees and it really binds the lads together. People can forget how important a uniform is; it really does unite the players as a team, it shows they’re part of a special club.




“And what’s made it extra special was the helicopter visit and the crew patiently spending time with the lads chatting to them about the aircraft and their flying experiences.“




Sent by:

Fiona Holland, SO2 UK Regional Media and Communications, Royal Navy

01436 674321 Faslane x6623




Pictures show Royal Navy helicopter crew from HMS Gannet flanking Lt Cdr Gary Farmer (left) and Glasgow Hawks’ Chief Executive Kenny Baillie holding the new strip. A number of the Midi team players are pictured in the foreground.

Picture courtesy of and copyright Iain MacIntosh

This article was originally posted on 27-Nov-2008, 14:31 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 27-Nov-2008, 14:34.