Internationals return to roots at Coats Park
Scottish Rugby internationals Jonny Gray and Duncan Weir returned to Cambuslang this week to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of their former club’s mini section.
Both players, who plied their trade in the youth ranks at Coats Park, visited the club on Sunday to mark the special milestone.
Glasgow Warrior Gray, who has praised Cambus coaches in the Reformer and the national media for kick-starting his dream in the sport, handed out some helpful hints and tips to lucky under-16 players in a game of touch rugby.
Weir, who played for Cambuslang before moving to the Warriors and then to Edinburgh Rugby, took time out to speak to players, coaches and parents who were able to view old photographs and memorabilia in the club house.
Club president Graeme Fisher was delighted Gray and Weir accepted his invitation to attend and he believes they are a great advert for what can be achieved at Cambuslang RFC.
He said: “The highlight of the day was the two Scottish international players attending. They are the best example of minirugby at Cambuslang and there is no doubt they show how good the coaching was at the time they came through.
“The kids here aspire to follow in their footsteps and Jonny and Duncan show that, if they have the right work ethic and enthusiasm, they can go as far as them.”
More than 100 people attended the event throughout the day, organised by Graeme and past president, Jan Dick, which showcased the hard work put into the mini section over the years.
Old photographs and a video of a tournament held in 1992 were on show while all who have been involved in the minis met up with old and new friends over drinks and food at the buffet.
Graeme added: “It was a good day that stayed dry to allow all past players, coaches and parents to watch the current mini section who usually play on a Sunday.
“Jan and I felt it was a real success and it generated interest, memories and lots of chat with people who may not otherwise come along to the club on Sundays to see the work that goes into the youth sections.”
The club is on the lookout for players of high school age from S1 to S6 to play on Sunday afternoons at 1pm. Email president@ cambuslangrugby.club for more information.