Cup launched in honour of legendary rugby player

TWO rival rugby districts will play for a cup annually in honour of a great Gala player.

The late Nairn MacEwan represented both Caledonia (North & Midlands) and the South during his career.

He turned out for Gala at a time when the Borderers were a major power in the Scottish club game.

Inter-District Championship sides the South and the Caledonia Reds will contest the first Nairn MacEwan Cup next month.

The two teams have developed a healthy rivalry over the past decade, with both districts remaining active at senior level on an ad hoc basis and playing each other three times – in 2016 and 2017 and in last year’s final.

In a joint statement, they said: “Following a conversation between the two district committees, we collectively felt that playing for an annual cup would be a great way to generate additional significance to the fixture as well as to recognise and commemorate the impact that Nairn had on rugby in each district.

“His story of travelling down to train and play for Gala from his home in Inverness three times per week has become the stuff of legend and exemplifies the commitment often required of players from Scotland’s more rural and outlying communities to pursue their rugby ambitions.”

Caledonia Reds and the South will play for the cup in the final match of this year’s Inter-District Championship at Highland’s Canal Park on Saturday, April 6.

Members of MacEwan’s family are set to be there to present the trophy, as will legendary Highland and North & Midlands coach Colin Baillie MBE, who will say a few words during the pre-match hospitality.