Calcutta Cup to make appearance at Europe’s largest annual gay rugby event

The Caledonian Thebans Rugby Football Club is to hold it’s annual Rugby Clinic at the end of October. As a special treat to attendees and as a result of their close ties with Scottish Rugby, the Calcutta Cup will be making an appearance for their event.

As Scotland’s oldest Gay-Inclusive Rugby Club, the Caledonian Thebans celebrated their 16thBirthday earlier this year. The Club has grown from a handful of like-minded individuals into one of the most successful Gay-Inclusive Rugby Clubs in the world, with over 70 fee paying players and supporters.

Their annual Rugby Clinic, held at BT Murrayfield, is a calendar fixture of many European Rugby Clubs who travel to Edinburgh every year to receive training and coaching from some of Scotland’s best rugby coaches and staff. In the past the event has also been supported by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines who have provided warm up sessions to the teams and there has also been appearances from key players and coaches from within Scottish Rugby.

Luke Fenton, Chairman of the Caledonian Thebans said “It means so much to us as a club that the Calcutta Cup will be making an appearance at our Rugby Clinic.”

“Inclusive Rugby is getting to be so big now and to have the support of Scottish Rugby means that we can do more to make sure that more people get involved in a fun and friendly environment to play Rugby. Rugby is the most inclusive sport in the world and we believe our Rugby Clinic to be a shinning example of that.”

“We can’t wait to start welcoming our brothers from all over Europe to our home here in Edinburgh and we believe this year will be our Biggest. To be able to put one of Scotland’s most treasured trophies on display allows us to show off our best.”

The event itself runs over the weekend, players arriving on Friday evening for registration within BT Murrayfield.

On the Saturday there are training sessions in the morning and mini-games of VX a side in the afternoon, as well as plans for a reception for club committee members and volunteers within the Stadium to thank them for their hard work.

Scottish Rugby have been heavily involved in supporting the Caledonian Thebans and will be providing some of the coaching staff for the event.

Scottish Rugby President Dee Bradbury said: “I am delighted Scottish Rugby and the Caledonian Thebans are continuing their excellent relationship.

“I know the club has had real success with previous coaching clinics at BT Murrayfield and they really capture the values and spirit of rugby by bringing people together, sharing positive experiences and learning more about our sport.

“Having the Calcutta Cup on show for players from across Europe to see will add something special to the occasion and demonstrate Scotland’s pride in its national team.