Big loss as Eagles captain takes flight But Ryan hasn’t cut all ties despite move to the Borders
Ryan Miller has reflected on a memorable five years with Perthshire Rugby Club.
Three of those have been spent as captain of the first team but his face will not be such a familiar sight at the North Inch moving forward.
Miller has moved back down to the Borders and is sure to be a big miss to the Eagles on and off the pitch when league action returns.
“I’ve been captain for the best part of three years and I really got to know the guys,” Miller told the PA.
“The club and myself just seemed to click as soon as I moved.
“I hope it’s been a relationship both parties have enjoyed.
“The whole club is tight-knit. It doesn’t matter if you play for the firsts, seconds, Colts or women’s team. It’s one big family.
“That has been one of the great things I enjoyed at Perthshire.
“The rugby has been a major part of my life.”
Miller had hoped to play a starring role in recent months but the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the league season being cancelled.
“When I spoke to Clarky (Alan Clark) about moving home, we were just going into the 2020/21 season,” Miller said.
“We were gathering our thoughts about the squad when I told him the news. I’d planned on playing this season still.
“I’d offered to help out as much as I can, whether it was the odd away game if the guys were struggling or if I was up in Perth.
“I was still going to try and be around. But that was going to be made difficult with not being able to get to training.
“I was actually really looking forward to this season. We started 2020 strong with two victories and that was the last rugby played.
“We had a number of Colts making the step up and many young guys who had their first season in senior rugby.
“I always feel it’s the second season you see those guys really grow and coming out of their shell. As a squad we were building something pretty special.”
Moving forward, Miller may still occasionally be able to pull on the Perth colours if dual registration allows.
“I’ll still keep in touch with all the guys,” he said. “I’ve not been kicked out the group chat yet!
“I’m still involved and have seen all of the Zoom fitness sessions which is keeping the buzz going around the club.
“I’ve had a chat with Jed-Forest with a plan of going back to play for them. I’m still in two minds of whether I think my body is capable.
“I’m 33 but still feel like I have a season left in me at least.
“I’m hopeful that I may get the odd run out for Perth by hopefully maintaining dual registration. My last memory in a Perth jersey was a great win against Strathmore.
“But I would rather get another couple of games and wins with the boys to see everyone again.”
The buzz for getting back to club rugby across the country is high, Miller says, especially following Scotland’s Six Nations win against England at the weekend.
“The effort the guys put in on Saturday was tremendous to watch,” said Miller.
“The Scotland football team qualify for the Euros and Scotland beat England at rugby when we’re not allowed to go to the pub!
“But it was a great result and, to a man, Scotland were outstanding.
“Hopefully they can build on that throughout the Six Nations.”