GROGS attending the October Lunch were twice blessed (some might even say thrice blessed) when not only did Jamie Armstrong of rugby charity, Trust Rugby International **, attend as the advertised guest speaker but Gregor Townsend, Head Coach of Glasgow Warriors, paid a return visit to Braidholm bringing with him the Guinness Pro12 Cup which his heroic team had won last season. Gregor paraded the Cup round the tables, giving photo opportunities for those who wanted one. In describing the moment the final whistle blew, assuring victory to the Warriors, Gregor said; “It was one of the proudest moments of my life”. For a man who won 82 caps for Scotland and played for the Barbarians and the British and Irish Lions, that is saying something. Jamie Armstrong, who had cut his rugby teeth playing for Hillhead RFC, introduced a dimension of rugby previously unknown to the majority of his audience. Jamie is in the front line of a growing movement which encourages “unified rugby” by which players with disabilities can train and play alongside non-disabled players in the sport they all share a passion for. He gave a warm and enthusiastic report on the development of this project which runs 2 teams – the Ayrshire Clan and the Edinburgh Clan. A Scottish national team made up of these 2 Clans represented Scotland at the 2015 Inclusion World Tournament in Bradford this year, which was contested by no fewer than 10 countries. Jamie was proud to report that the Clan now has the full backing of the SRU and, thus, the players were able to wear strips displaying the thistle. On behalf of the Clan, Jamie expressed an interest in playing a match against the GROGS which chairman, Brian Rigby, said he was sure could be arranged and asked for volunteers. Not one hand was raised. 2 speakers, 1 bottle of GROGS whisky. “What a dilemma!”, the Chairman said as he passed it on to Jamie Armstrong with our great appreciation. Excellent food, great company and top class speakers. Just another typical GROGS Lunch!
** www.trustrugby.org
** www.trustrugby.org