A celebratory mood pervaded Loks Restaurant when the GROGs returned for the first meeting of the 2023/24 year. Celebratory because the GROGS was celebrating its 21st. year as a Lunch Club for rugby enthusiasts. Chairman, Fergus Neil, gave a very potted history of the early days when a turnout of 30 members was considered a success. Nowadays the average monthly attendance of likeminded ‘Geezers’ is in excess of 100. Fergus took a moment or two (or three) to express his lack of admiration of the organisation of the Rugby World Cup currently taking place in France, a sentiment clearly agreed with by many of those present. Thus vented, Fergus allowed the lunch to be served - and a very fine lunch it was too! The guest speaker was the youthful looking Lee Jones, a young man who had enjoyed a glittering career in both club and international rugby, particularly whilst representing Scotland in the 7’s tournaments. It must have been very daunting for Lee to look at the sea of faces in front of him, every one being from his grandfathers’ generation! Daunting or not, Lee gave a very good account of himself describing his career at all levels and talking about the influences some well known characters in the sport had been on his playing career. Here was a very likeable young man, happy to express his gratitude to the game of rugby which had given him so many opportunities in life, both on and off the pitch. Growing up in Selkirk, he benefitted from great coaching and was selected to play for Scotland under 18’s. Although he missed out on Academy selection his life was consumed with rugby, both playing and training. His skills were recognised and he was signed by Rob Moffat, Head Coach of Edinburgh Rugby. He confessed to having had a youthful naivete in his early play which he quickly grew out of, playing multiple games for his club and country! Lee talked about his best experiences in what he called “a special game”, not including being seriously concussed against Ireland in his first full international year. Becoming surplus to requirements at Edinburgh he went on to enjoy a rewarding 5 year career with Glasgow Warriors and a return to the International platform. Although now retired, this is surely not the end of Lee’s involvement in rugby!