Currie Chieftains named BT Club of the Month

Currie Chieftains have been named BT Club of the Month for their impressive performances against tough opposition and commitment to growing the game.

The Edinburgh club now sit second in the BT Premiership table after winter wins over high-flying Melrose and reigning champions, Ayr.

Currie have put an emphasis on long-term development, with home-grown players adding to a sustainable squad led by Head Coach Ben Cairns.

Their youth set-up, feeding into the first XV, currently has a male team at every age group and what might have been a challenging season for the club, following a high player turnover, has seen a successful league campaign.

Currie Chieftains President, Phil Thomas, said: “I am delighted that we have been named as one BT Club of the Month for December/January.

“Currie Chieftains represents a genuine community effort, with many people actively involved.

We strive to remain true to the founding ethos and continuing ambitions of the club, from the BT Premiership squad to the youngest mini-rugby players.”

Currie have worked collaboratively with local high schools, Currie and Balerno, to supplement their curricular and non-curricular activity, ensuring local pupils have opportunities to play rugby.

Youth Development Officer at Chieftains, Fergus Scott, has led sessions at primary schools to give younger children a background in the game from an early age and encourage rugby development across the community.

Women and girls rugby with the club has also begun to grow thanks to collaboration with Napier and Heriot-Watt, again, ensuring that any interested players are given the chance to get involved.

The BT Club of the Month award celebrates on-pitch performance, discipline and rugby development.

To win, a club does not have to be the best in all three areas, but should show a successful balance, with potential for long-term growth.

Clubs receive £200 plus a 12 month commercial BT Sport subscription for their clubhouse.

Winning clubs will also be nominated for BT Club of the Season at the annual Club Awards Dinner at BT Murrayfield.

To nominate your club, a volunteer or try for the BT Awards please visit: http://www.scottishrugby.org/clubnominations