Issue 2 Falkirk Rugby
October 2015
FALKIRK NEWSLETTER IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome from club President P1 – P3 (5yrs-7yrs olds) Wednesday nights 6.30pm – 8pm Matt Dodd P4 (8yrs) Wednesday night 6.30pm – 8pm
Hello and welcome to Falkirk Rugby. We P5 (9yrs) Wednesday night 6.30pm – 8pm have had a very busy and exciting time at P6 (10yrs) Wednesday night 6.30pm – 8pm Falkirk over the last few months. Rugby is a fantastic sport and with the World Cup more P7 (11yrs) Wednesday night 6.30pm – 8pm people are playing and supporting rugby locally at Falkirk. It was heartbreaking to see S1 (12yrs) Tues & Thurs nights 7pm – 8pm our national team come so close but they did Scottish legend Chris Paterson their country and themselves proud. A S2 (13yrs) Tues & Thurs nights 7pm – 8pm Scotland’s most capped player and leading point’s deserved well done to New Zealand on their scorer coming to Falkirk Rugby on the 22nd November fantastic win. U15 (14yrs) Tues & Thurs nights 7pm – 8pm Page 3 Rugby is a sport that brings people together U16 (15yrs) Tues & Thurs nights 7pm – 8pm and we at Falkirk see this a cornerstone of HEAD COACH NIALL LEAR U18 (16yrs – 18yrs) Tues & Thurs nights 7pm our success, friendships forged in this sport REVIEWS THE SEASON SO FAR will last a lifetime. As you read through this – 8.30pm newsletter you will see many things that Senior (18yrs +) Tues & Thurs nights 7pm – have happened at Falkirk and what we are all 8.30pm about as well as a few upcoming events
Our season is underway with all our junior and senior teams into the swing of it and playing games nearly every week, you will be able to read more about their progress further in the newsletter and on our website. Falkirk’s Development Officer Read about our new DO Graeme Simpson Teams and their Training I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our 1xv squad, see the picture above. days/times Page 4 It has been a slow start to the season for our first On the 17th October we nearly had 3 teams playing Club Captain Harry Russell team as we lost our opening two games. Our on the same day, with the 3rds away to opponents deserved their wins but the standard Bannockburn, with an influx of new players this welcomes new recruits from of our play was not up to what we expect at will be vital in giving these guys a good grounding South Africa Falkirk. in rugby and boost their confidence. As well as this it still gives players who are into the social With the early start to the season due to the side of rugby a run out, their experience in helping World Cup, we were caught short with a few of the new recruits will be invaluable. Alas our players unavailable and a few picking up Bannockburn cancelled. injuries in the pre-season games, we were undercooked. Saying that the boys have been Interested in being involved with senior rugby working hard on the training field and with some then please come down and join in, we train on a of the boys having now returned the results and Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7pm - 8.30pm performances have improved.
The first game in Falkirk Academy going from Falkirk’s strength to strength history was in Club captain Harry Russell pictured in the centre 1972 against welcomed 2 of Falkirk’s new recruits. Both of Lasswade and these young men have travelled from South Pictured are just a few of our young academy it has taken Africa to experience the world through rugby. players. Long in the making but the results have 43yrs for us to meet them again which we done Left is Johan Wagennar and on the right is had an immediate impact and how the first year under the “Friday Night Lights” A great travelling Matthew Tweedle. has flown by. support came to support us in a fantastic win at It is just not about playing rugby for Johan and Lasswade. The purpose of the Academy was to provide Matt, rugby is the constant in a player’s life but for specialist training to our young stars in skills, We travelled to Livingston in the 1st round of the them it is also about the experience of meeting positional awareness and physical conditioning in BT Cup and came away with a good 58 – 0 win, new people, learning about a different culture and order to develop them and prepare them for the draw for the next round will see us travel north of course playing rugby for Falkirk. Speaking to senior rugby. to play Dundee HSFP on the 30th January 16. both men they were keen to express how The desire of our young players in wanting to be welcome they have been made to feel by the Our 2’s have had a great start to their season involved in the academy was outstanding to see players and Falkirk’s supporters which has made winning their first three games of the season, all and a measure of the success to come. When you the move from South Africa to Scotland easy and convincingly with bonus points and an avalanche look at the players improving during the season enjoyable. of and for some making the transition into the senior Thinking about a memorable place for this photo teams successfully, it was fantastic to see. Break we could not have been chosen a more iconic and through was seen last season in the regional set current Falkirk favourite than Helix Park and the up for academy players; Lewis Skinner U20, world renowned Kelpies. Connor Faulds U18 and Ryan Cameron U18.
This season’s new academy intake was a very Open Day proves to be a difficult time for the coaches as more players put resounding success their hands up for selection. A very thorough selection process was undertaken and we will again look forward to see how these young points. This is great to see and shows that the players progress. depth of talent at the club is developing and will make the club stronger. As you can see from the picture, the 2’s are a young strong squad with some old heads to give that essential experience. This season we had 6 academy players playing for Caledonia region; Ryan Cameron, Connor Faulds, I am pleased to say that in the month of October Lewis Skinner (U20), Glen Faulds (U18) and our 1XV and 2XV teams are unbeaten and in rugby Cameron McKenna, Rohan McPhee (U16). There when you score 4 tries or more you get a bonus were a further 3 players trekking to Aberdeen in point which both teams have achieved in every the Caledonia pathway. Commitment game. The result is that the 1XV are sitting 2nd in their league and the 2XV sit atop of their league We are pleased to announce our new academy undefeated. coach who took up post on the 1st October this year; Graeme Simpson. Read more about In the newsletter you will find the remaining Graeme and his and the clubs ambitions for the fixtures for both teams, you are more than next 2 years. welcome to come down, watch and enjoy the game of rugby at Falkirk. You will find a warm welcome from the club and our supporters. FALKIRK RUGBY | Issue 2 3
Scotland Legend Chris Paterson coming to Falkirk Rugby
With support from Scottish Rugby to promote rugby during the World Cup we had an Open Day at the club to give young children the opportunity to learn and play rugby. Sunday 22nd November 2015 @ Falkirk Rugby Club
What a fantastic day it was seeing so many children coming to Falkirk and participating in rugby. However, it was not just about giving taster sessions to the
We are proud to announce Chris Paterson will be attending the club and supporting the Mini's Tournament taking place in November.
Chris Paterson is Scotland’s most capped youngsters it was also about learning and developing player and record point’s holder with 109 and what they could do individually to become a caps and 809 points. He was a versatile better player. Inspiring these young players were player capable of performing in a range of some of our 1XV players who even though they had a positions, including fullback, wing and fly- weekend of they still gave up their time and came half. Many say his best position was fullback down to support the club and pass on some of their but where ever he played he done his country knowledge. Says a lot for their commitment to proud. Falkirk Rugby.
The open day was not just about getting more people playing rugby. Rugby is a sport where people find a home though supporting, volunteering and coaching, the open day allowed us to meet many young and old people who were looking to identify themselves with the club. Here just some more of the photos taken on what can only be described as a very successful day Paterson retired the senior players or from the club. Have a go and from international support Falkirk Rugby Club. rugby in December 2011 and as a Falkirk Rugby Club new professional player Development Officer May 2012. A mark of the man is his desire to give back to the game and he has become one of Meet Graeme Simpson our new DO Scottish Rugby’s ambassadors, promoting the game in schools and clubs throughout the country.
If you have not watched junior rugby in particular mini rugby you are missing something special, so we hope to see as many of you Falkirk Rugby Club in partnership with Falkirk down at the club High School, Falkirk Community Trust and the as possible to SRU have been working hard over the last several support the day and months and at the beginning of October Graeme meet the took up his post as development officer. legend. Why is this so important? Having a DO who can be called upon to support the coaches and players Falkirk Christmas Raffle in developing their skills as well as working with our schools to play rugby will bolster the clubs playing numbers. Although our junior section is going strong we should never sit upon our laurels and having our own DO will continue to bolster our playing numbers.
It is well documented that players become better the more they train and play rugby, so having a DO who is working in our schools and at the club will give the kids more opportunity to improve their ability and therefore make the club stronger and the most important thing, HAVE FUN.
Graeme will also be looking after our Academy at Falkirk, working with the junior and senior academies on their core skills and preparing them for senior rugby.
We look forward to reading how Graeme gets on in the next issue of the newsletter. It is that time of the year when your finances get tight and you worry how you can afford everything. Then why not try your luck with the Falkirk Rugby Raffle and make all your dreams Falkirk field its first every all girls come true. team at U15 level
1st Prize £ 1 000
2nd Prize £ 500
3rd Prize £ 100
So why not have a go and buy a raffle ticket at £2 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased from any of FALKIRK RUGBY | Issue 2 5
This resulted with another Falkirk try. Cumnock ahead but when I arrived at the airport I was replied with their second try near the end of the greeted by the director of rugby, coaches and match. The Referee then called “last Play” and some of my new team mates. In that first Falkirk attacked, but were just forced out on the meeting I knew that although I was from a try line. different culture, rugby was going to unite us”
The Final score was Falkirk 2 Cumnock 2 Players from all over NZ attended the university and along with Lewis they played for their The girls played Ayr in the next game and gave a Premier Colts in the Canterbury regional league good account against a team that has been and cup. playing for a couple of years. Again it was a close game but alas we went down fighting Falkirk 2 “We won the league and the cup but for me the The popularity of rugby has seen an explosion in Ayr 3. success was learning more and developing my recent years in respect to females taking up the skills as a rugby player. I had the good fortune to sport. For many years we have had a steady The third game was against Hillhead/Jordanhill, train at the Canterbury High Performance Unit stream of girls playing alongside boys in the minis with Falkirk losing out 4-0 against a good and learn from All Blacks players, in particular but due to the rules of the game when they go disciplined team. world cup winner Joe Moody.” “Competition for places was fierce and training was slightly into secondary school they have to play as a girl’s The last game was against the home team Cartha, different than in Scotland with the focus on only team. again the girls lost out 4-0, but the score line does performing your skills under pressure a constant not tell the story. Falkirk put Cartha under a lot of Last year we launched our first girls’ team; many theme” with little to no experience of rugby but faithfully pressure but with Falkirk losing a couple of players and in all weather conditions 8 young ladies came to injury and the remainder tiring, Cartha 14 of Lewis’s were selected for the Canterbury to training week in week out. exploited the situation. U19 team who later won the NZ CUP.
The Coaches were pleased with the way the team Lewis had the opportunity to see other parts of played and can see progress in the way the girls NZ, visiting Wellington and Dunedin as well as played. Christchurch. “The friends I made over there will remain long in my mind and as rugby teaches us If you are interested in playing rugby, please come they will be friends for life. I am forever thankful down. Training takes place on Wednesday Nights for the warmth and friendship shown to me 7:00pm to 8:30pm. during my time in NZ, for the support of my Credit also goes to our feeder schools of Falkirk coaches at Falkirk and my family and friends” High and Larbert High who are promoting girls “ rugby at their schools It is however great being back and playing for the blue of Falkirk RFC once more” Lewis returns from his This year the numbers have doubled, some of the girls (pictured above) came to the open day to antipodean adventure spread the word about girl’s rugby at Falkirk, with EASYFUNDRAISING more young ladies looking to take up the fantastic sport. Fearless and committed they are just as good as any of the boy’s teams.
On Sunday the 1st November 2015, a date that will go down in Falkirk’s history. Falkirk U15 girl’s team took to the field in a tournament at Shawlands, Galsgow. We were invited to play in a cup Tournament.
It was a strong line up with established teams from Ayr, Biggar, Cartha, Cumnock, and Hillhead/Jordanhill. Lewis Skinner pictured above, ball in hand What is The first game was against Cumnock. The Falkirk wearing the colours of Lincoln University, Girls started nervously with a few passes being Canterbury, NZ knocked on, but this did not last and they easyfundraising? eventually broke through to open the scoring. For 4 months Lewis was given the opportunity to We have teamed up with easyfundraising, a Cumnock, who relied on their strong pack to play, live and play rugby in New Zealand. One of those popular website that offers sports clubs and quickly replied with a try. Falkirk then changed once in a lifetime chances. As you might guess supporters a way to raise money by shopping tactics and coped well with the Cumnock pack rugby in NZ is there passion, where they live and online, hassle free and safe. with strong aggressive tackling and quick ball breathe the sport as if it is a religion. “After a 38hr Simply shop at your favourite retailer using from rucks. flight I was a bit apprehensive about what lay easyfundraising and they will make a donation to us on your behalf. Best of all, you maybe not but to provide the best opportunity for don't pay anything extra - so far over our players to show their skills and ability, then £10million has been raised for good causes in providing them with the best underfoot the UK. conditions is a most. Have you ever thought about Volunteering at the Club Help us raise money without it If you would like to participate in the Falkirk costing you a penny extra Lotto then please contact Malcolm Duncan Like all directly for a standing order form via his email at amateur clubs Over 500,000 others use [email protected] or why not pick one Falkirk Rugby easyfundraising to support good up from the bar staff at the club. is run by causes volunteers and Over 2,800 retailers ready to Falkirk Lotto is played by players, parents and we are donate to our club supporters but anyone can join. indebted to each and every To access the easyfundraiser website, you have 3 one of them simple option to choose from So why not give it a try for their time and commitment. Many have no background in rugby and are parents of 1. Download the app our junior players giving up a small amount of their time. 2. Google easyfundraiser and go direct to their website We have a few vacancies to still to fill. Membership secretary and Events organizer. 3. Go to the Falkirk Rugby website and click on Sponsorship Opportunities No particular skills required just a few hours the easyfundraiser tab of your time and not every week. When you register select Falkirk Rugby Club If you are interested or want some more and start shopping. information then please contact Shane We thank you in advance for your support to Fullarton. Falkirk Rugby For those younger people who are maybe doing their Duke of Edinburgh or are looking to enhance their CV’s then they are other Falkirk Lotto volunteering jobs at the club that you could do.
The Falkirk Lotto is a Remaining 1XV fixtures fantastic no nonsense way of supporting your Sat 5th Dec Cartha QP v Falkirk 2pm club and have the opportunity to win Sat 12th Dec Falkirk v Kirkcaldy 2pm money on a monthly th basis. Sat 19 Dec Whitecraigs v Falkirk 2pm Sponsorship is a very important income th Monthly prizes consist of 1st £100, 2nd £50, 3rd stream for your Club, and we are extremely Sat 9 Jan Falkirk v Greenock 2pm £50 and in time for Christmas the chance to win a grateful to the companies and people who Sat 16th Jan Aberdeenshire v Falkirk 2pm whooping; £1000 Christmas bonus. have and continued to provide valuable financial support to Falkirk Rugby. Sat 23rd Jan Falkirk v Hillhead/Jordanhill Entry could not be simpler, set up a standing 2pm order for just £10 per month and this will gain you individuals to join us and become part of our successful Falkirk Rugby brand, thereby automatic entry into the draw. BT Cup Sat 30th Jan Dundee HSFP V Falkirk helping us to further develop rugby both at 2pm The names of the lucky winners will be posted on the Club and across our local communities. the club website and in the clubhouse, after each Sat 20th Feb Greenock v Falkirk 2pm draw. If you know of any companies or individuals who may wish to support the Club in this Sat 5th Mar Ardrossan v Falkirk 3pm The Club is indebted to the participants of the way, then please get in touch with Rob Falkirk Lotto. Your support is essential in our Simpson, who will be pleased to discuss the Sat 12th Mar Falkirk v Biggar 3pm continual efforts to develop our facilities for all at range of sponsorship opportunities that we the club. The money is used to benefit the whole offer. Sat 26th Mar Hamilton v Falkirk 3pm club. Rob can be contacted on: Our pitches are the envy of many clubs throughout Scotland and as such, it takes a lot of [email protected] money to maintain them. Glamourous sounding, Remaining 2XV fixtures FALKIRK RUGBY | Issue 2 7
Sat 5th Dec Bo’ness v Falkirk 2pm we have a very active and fulfilling social We are always eager to keep you informed of calendar. The juniors have just had a very what is happening at Falkirk Rugby and enjoy th Sat 12 Dec Falkirk v Fife Southern 2pm successful Halloween party and are now your experience of playing, watching and
th looking forward to their Christmas do. supporting the club. We do this in a variety of Sat 19 Dec Grangemouth v Falkirk 2pm ways; local press, website, posters and leaflets in We have a few events coming up and they the club, emails, Falkirk Weekly Roundup, Sat 9th Jan Falkirk v Perthshire 2pm are open to non-members as well, so feel Facebook, Twitter and of course our newest free to contact the club for more details. If Sat 16th Jan Falkirk v Crieff & Strathearn method this quarterly newsletter. you are wanting to book our club house for 2pm an event then it is available; contact Laura on If we do not have your email or an up-to-date Sat 23rd Jan Dundee Medics v Falkirk 2pm email address then please get in contact with club Email: [email protected] secretary Shane Fullarton who will be more than Sat 20th Feb Falkirk v Arbroath 3pm Tel: 07414883861 happy to add you into our mailing list.
Sat 5th Mar Glenrothes v Falkirk 3pm You can check out our website Falkirk Rugby Club, if you want to access all of its options then th Sat 12 Mar Falkirk v Waid Academy 3pm Some of the things coming up in simply join it for free. Sat 26th Mar Falkirk v Bo’ness 3pm the next issue Like us on Facebook visit Falkirk Rugby Club
Sat 2nd Apr Fife Sothern v Falkirk 3pm Look back at the visit of Chris Paterson Follow us on Twitter @FalkirkRFC
The minis visit to Murrayfield, a coaching Or visit us at: session on the pitch and front row seats at th Christmas Party Night the Edinburgh/Glasgow game on the 27 Dec Falkirk Rugby Club How the 1xv and 2xv push for promotion is Sunnyside going. Dorrator Road Falkirk Stirlingshire FK2 7YW
Tel: 01324 623596
We hope to see you soon
Dates for your diary
Falkirk rugby is more than just about playing Stay Informed and supporting rugby. A big part of the rugby scene is the social aspect and at Falkirk