Inspired by TV triumph

Scotland’s Six Nations win against England on Saturday provided a much-needed lift for the country.

That was the message from Perthshire head coach Alan Clark following a sublime and historic 11-6 victory at Twickenham.

Club rugby, both training in person and matches, is currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic but the weekend heroics raised a smile.

“It gives you something to look forward to at the weekend,”Clark said.

“There is a lot going on in the world at the moment.

“Stuart Hogg had mentioned prior to last week about how much they wanted to lift the nation and give us something to hang onto.

“They certainly did that on Saturday and there is something to be excited about.

“When you sit in the house all the time, looking at the same four walls, something to get excited about is brilliant.

“Normally this time of year it’s looking forward to holidays, this or that. But we don’t have that. The Six Nations can help.

“When the big team is playing well, there is a sense of unity in the country’s rugby and wider public.

“It’s nice to get a win and the nature of it was incredible.

“We’ve found - and I think a lot of clubs have - that since Christmas there

Scotland’s historic Calcutta Cup win at the weekend has the potential to inspire the next generation of rugby talent.

That’s the view of Mark Reddin, president of Blairgowrie Rugby Club.

Speaking after the national side’s triumph – the first time a side from north of the border has posted a victory over England at Twickenham since 1983 – he said: “Local sports clubs up and down the country have been significantly impacted by COVID, as everyone has been, and community-based sport is fundamental to our members’physical and mental wellbeing.

“It was great to see the professional game in the limelight over the weekend and even better to see Scotland beat our auld rivals England at Twickenham for the first time since before many of our members were even born.

“As we look towards the future, we hope and expect that players and members return to the sport, inspired by some of the great performances we’ve seen on TV.

“It’s really important, for kids in particular, to belong to something – and rugby, and other sports, can provide this.

“We’re looking forward to the future and we’d remind everyone in and around Perthshire that they’re welcome at Blairgowrie Rugby Club, as soon as it’s safe to do so once again.”