Rugby legend to visit Angus as part of club’s 40th anniversary

Australian rugby union legend David Campese is coming to Angus as part of a local club’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Carnoustie Rugby Club volunteer Calum Bruce said they are going to celebrate the anniversary in grand style with an inaugural beach rugby tournament on June 17.

This will be run with the Bill McLaren Foundation, and former international Campese will open proceedings before providing training sessions to the club’s mini and midi sections.

During the 1987 Rugby World Cup semi-final against France, Campese broke the then-world record for most tries scored by an international player.

“It’s going to be a huge day and we have David coming, who is a huge star who broke loads of records in his career,” Mr Bruce said.

Mr Bruce, who hails from the town, was picked as Scottish Rugby’s volunteer of the month after he was nominated by the club.

The 46-year-old has worked with primary schools in the area, helping to organise training and inter-school tournaments, which have led to an increase in mini rugby participation at the club.

He said he thought the award was a “wind-up” by his friends.

Mr Bruce, a former youth and senior player at Carnoustie, also takes pride in watching his son Brandon play in the club’s midi section since he joined in Primary 1.

“I had been living abroad for years but decided to come back to Scotland so my son could enjoy rugby as much as I do,” he said.

“The club scene is a lot stronger here and there are more opportunities to work with children.

“I started helping out at the club and things just snowballed from there.

“Thankfully, my wife and son Brandon are both committed to the success and survival of the club, which makes this award even more important as it’s not only myself that deserves credit for this award, but all the other volunteers that work so hard.

“I love Carnoustie Rugby Club and this sport with a passion that can sometimes take over my life.”