Clubs get behind Everyone’s Game campaign

The different events range from breakfast clubs, rugby festivals, family days and a wear tartan day, while Linlithgow will be hosting a whisky tasting evening on Friday to celebrate the start of the competition.

Throughout the Rugby World Cup over 80 events will be taking place, with the final group fixture against Japan on Sunday 13 October in Yokohama also proving to be a popular choice with clubs.

Ahead of the opening fixture, Scottish Rugby Director of Rugby Development Sheila Begbie said;

“We’re delighted that so many clubs in Scotland have embraced our Everyone’s Game campaign, this Sunday is going to be a fantastic occasion with so many busy clubhouses around the country cheering on the team in Japan.

“Some of the stories and images collected from the club events throughout the country will be shared with Gregor and the team in Japan – I’m sure the players and staff will be really pleased to see the level of support for the team from the clubs.”

We are encouraging clubs to show us what they are up to during the Rugby World Cup 2019 by tagging us on Twitter @Scotlandteam using the hashtag #EveryonesGame.

Chris McGuigan, Club President from Waysiders Drumpellier will be one of the clubs holding an event said:

“Sunday is a great opportunity to showcase the 2019 Rugby World Cup at Waysiders Drumpellier. We’re hoping to build on the growing success at the clubhouse, demonstrating our accessibility and inclusivity.”

“We’re looking forward to cheering the team on from kick-off on a bright and breezy Sunday morning. The whole club will be able to put into practice all the moves from the match and work off the rolls and sausage and cups of tea straight after the game with Tartan Touch sessions from 10.30am and a full compliment of youth training from 12pm.”

Montrose will be another of the clubs involved in the campaign, President Duncan Campbell said: “On Sunday, we will be hosting a rugby breakfast at Union Park. This family-focused event is open to all of the community.

As well as watching the Scotland match against Ireland, everyone can enjoy breakfast rolls, pastries, teas and coffees. A huge thank you goes to our volunteers who have arranged such a great start to Scotland’s Rugby World Cup campaign.”

To find out about all the events taking place at a rugby club near you this Sunday, click HERE. Club events for Samoa, Russia and Japan can be found HERE.

Applications are still open for clubs, university teams and schools to apply for event support during the Rugby World Cup which includes printed resources, t-shirts, bunting, giveaways and social media promotion as well as Scottish Rugby staff support on the day. Find out more and apply.

As part of the campaign, Scottish Rugby has also devised a Values Ambassador programme where clubs can nominate a member.

This programme is devised to help clubs create a positive environment within their own clubhouse. The first session was held last Sunday and was noted as a success by the clubs involved.

Andrew Ferguson from Glasgow Academical said: “Scottish Rugby has recognised the importance of values in our game and created a programme to help galvanise Scottish rugby as a whole.

“The Values Ambassador programme allows the individuals responsible for these areas in clubs, to work together to improve the culture of rugby at all levels across Scotland. It’s an exciting time for those involved in Scottish rugby!”

Andy Lindsey from Annan said: ”I am looking forward to making our values more visual in relation to how they are displayed within the club setting, as well as engaging with the different groups within the club to promote the importance of a positive behaviour and conduct and upholding the club’s values.

“It is hoped that we can enhance our current club culture; promoting more positive experiences and sustainability in line with our vision and mission.”

Musselburgh Treasurer, Janet Scott, who also signed-up for the programme added: “Our next steps are to make these values ‘come alive’ and to be known and understood by all members and players at Musselburgh.

“The session on Sunday led by Scottish Rugby’s Coach Education Officer Gordon Lyon was very relevant and gave me the opportunity to listen and share ideas with representatives from other clubs.

“Ideally, over time, we will be able to create our own club toolkit, with ideas taken from all stakeholders within the club, especially the coaches and players as well as those shared within the Ambassador’s Programme.”