CAPITAL EFFORT TO BECOME POLE STARS
WHILE their former Edinburgh team-mates are playing Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday night for a place in the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final, Steven Turnbull and John Houston will be tackling a challenge of a very different nature. The former Scotland A caps, who have both now retired from professional rugby, were on the capital club’s books when they reached the Heineken Cup semi-finals in 2012. Tomorrow morning they set off on the Arctic Rugby Challenge pioneering expedition, which will be led by the maritime polar adventurer Jock Wishart. Setting out from Resolute Bay, Canada, the team — including former England cap Tim Stimpson and ex-England Sevens player Ollie Phillips — will trek the 100 miles to the Magnetic North Pole in just seven days. Once there, the team will aim to play the northern-most rugby match ever played. Before they set off, former second-row Turnbull, 28, said: ‘I am excited to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime trip and raise funds at the same time.’ Houston, 32, added: ‘I got in touch with Steve and the charity and it sounded like something I’d like to be a part of. ‘Steve and I have been training with each other to prepare for all the eventualities that could occur while we are out there. ‘We’ve been pushed on by the support we have had fundraising and we would like to take this chance to thank everyone who has donated so far.’ With the team set to come up against a number of challenges over the coming days and weeks, teamwork will be key and Turnbull believes what the duo learnt in their playing days will be invaluable. ‘I think a lot of the skills you learn when playing rugby will come in very handy,’ he stated. ‘We will be spending a lot of time with each other and there will be different characters within the group, just like in a rugby team, but we will all work together and it should be an amazing experience. ‘Obviously, when we are away, Edinburgh play their big semi-final and I wish the guys well. They have come on a lot under Alan Solomons this term and it would be great to see them get to a final.’
You can support Steven Turnbull and John Houston on their challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/ArcticChallenge15/