Kellock to captain Scotland

Posted on Jan 25, 2011 in Rugby News

Alastair Kellock, the 29-year-old Glasgow Warriors lock, was named today as the man to lead Scotland into the 2011 RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Head coach Andy Robinson is restoring Kellock to the captain’s role which he performed with distinction on last summer’s tour to Argentina, where Scotland posted a historic 2-0 series success.

Robinson declared: “Al’s leadership on and off the field was a key element to our success in Argentina and, since his return from knee surgery, the quality of both his personal displays and the way he has galvanised the Glasgow side, especially over the last month, has been really pleasing.

“I have spoken about the importance of broadening the influence of leaders throughout the side and Rory Lawson, Mike Blair and Chris Cusiter have all led the side well.”

Kellock made his Championship debut against France in 2006 and he will lead Scotland in the competition for the first time against the same opponents at the Stade de France a week on Saturday.

In addition to the victories in South America last summer, Kellock also took on the captaincy when Chris Cusiter was injured at Murrayfield against Australia in the autumn of 2009 and piloted Scotland to that epic win – the first over the Wallabies in 27 years.

Scotland go into their match against France in 11 days’ time having won five of their last six cap internationals, a sequence which has seen them triumph in Ireland for the first time in 12 years and defeat world champions South Africa en route to rising to seventh in the IRB’s world rankings.

Kellock, who has won 27 caps, told NOWRugby today: “To get the chance to captain Scotland for the opening Six Nations game is huge.

“I was delighted to make the squad, especially after being out for almost six months with my knee after Argentina, and now to be named as captain, is a real highlight, particularly with the competition for places.”

Kellock, who first experienced captaincy in the age-group teams at the Allan Glen’s club, went on to skipper Edinburgh, his first professional side, and Glasgow Warriors.

He contends that he learned much from Todd Blackadder, the former All Blacks captain, during his stint with Edinburgh.  “When (Todd) got to a point in his career when he was 27 or 28 he said to himself ‘What are you waiting for?’.  You are not going to get anywhere in rugby by sitting back and saying: ‘what if’.  That has stuck with me quite a lot,” he explained.

Warriors & RESPONSE tackle classroom communication skills

Posted on Jan 25, 2011 in Rugby News

Glasgow Warriors and principle club sponsor, RESPONSE, are helping primary seven pupils at Scotstoun Primary boost their communication and leadership skills as part of a pioneering workshop to prepare them for the challenges of secondary school.

The leading Glasgow-based contact centre management firm and the city’s only professional rugby club arranged the workshop to share the communication and team-working expertise honed by RESPONSE staff at its three sites in the city and by the rugby stars on the pitch.

Donna Morrison, RESPONSE’s learning and development manager, enlisted the help of Warriors Chris Cusiter, Rob Dewey and Calum Forrester to give Scotstoun’s primary seven pupils a welcome confidence boost as they prepare to make the daunting transition to secondary school.

The interactive session was designed to show the children the importance of communicating effectively, developing leadership qualities and team working. The skills are an essential part of RESPONSE’s successful contact centre operations, which involves handling thousands of calls and internet enquiries every day and building rewarding relationships with their clients and their customers.

At the close of the workshop the pupils were invited to take part in a question and answer session, giving them an insight into the lives and achievements of their sporting heroes.

Warriors scrum-half Cusiter said: “We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the children and showing them what it takes to be a successful team player. I hope that the workshop helped build their confidence and make them more comfortable about facing the challenges ahead.”

Donna Morrison from RESPONSE added: “The children showed incredible enthusiasm and put tremendous effort into the workshop, which certainly helped boost their confidence and focus their minds on the importance of communication and team work. These are vital skills to help them interact with their peers and make new friends in secondary school and beyond.

“Having the Warriors on board was a huge help because these skills are crucial to their success on the field and the children were able to see first hand the qualities that are needed to get to the top.”

Angela Gordon, deputy head teacher at Scotstoun Primary School said: “Moving from primary to secondary school can be quite daunting and the workshop was a great success. The sessions with RESPONSE and Glasgow Warriors brought some of the children out of their shells and certainly showed me some hidden talents that I would not necessarily see in the classroom.”

The workshop was part of RESPONSE’s ongoing work with the community in partnership with the Glasgow Warriors. Last year RESPONSE extended its sponsorship deal with the Warriors until 2012.

Warriors make two changes for Toulouse match

Posted on Dec 16, 2010 in Rugby News

Glasgow Warriors have made just two changes to their starting XV for this weekend’s return Heineken Cup bout against reigning champions Toulouse at the Stade Ernest Wallon (Saturday 18 December, kick-off 2.30pm).

The Warriors return to Toulouse for the first time since they recorded the biggest result in their history back in January 2009, but they do so this season with a squad of players entering the home of the “Rouge et Noir” for the very first time.

Glasgow head coach, Sean Lineen, said: “I’m confident well do a lot better. It’s a fantastic stadium to play at, but the guys just need to focus and make sure we get the performance we need.”

Last weekend saw Toulouse run in three tries to one against the Warriors as a misfiring scrum and lineout proved to be Glasgow’s vice.

“We can’t take much confidence from the weekend because we didn’t play that well,” Lineen continued. “Our set piece wasn’t good but we never gave up and that’s hugely encouraging. We can’t give them that much ball or that much respect this weekend.”

Both changes are in the backs where the scrum-halves and wings swap places with their respective replacements.

Hefin O’Hare is selected in front of Federico Aramburu whilst Colin Gregor is preferred to Henry Pyrgos in a bid to bolster the experience in the starting line-up.

Lineen concluded: “We just a little more leadership and experience. We had a good team out last weekend but it’s now about putting our performance right in such a massive game.

“There aren’t many bigger games than Toulouse away in the Heineken Cup.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Toulouse in the Heineken Cup at the Stade Ernest Walon on Saturday 18 December (kick-off 2.30pm)
15 Bernardo Stortoni
14 Hefin O’Hare
13 Max Evans
12 Graeme Morrison
11 DTH van der Merwe
10 Ruaridh Jackson
9 Colin Gregor
1 Jon Welsh
2 Dougie Hall
3 Moray Low
4 Richie Gray
5 Alastair Kellock CAPTAIN
6 Robert Harley
7 John Barclay
8 Richie Vernon
Substitutes: 16 Fergus Thomson, 17 Ryan Grant, 18 Kevin Tkachuk, 19 Aly Muldowney, 20 Chris Fusaro, 21 Henry Pyrgos, 22 Peter Murchie, 23 Federico Aramburu

Greaves Sports confirmed as title sponsor

Posted on Dec 13, 2010 in Scottish Rugby

The countdown to the biggest event in the Scottish domestic rugby calendar is well and truly on, after it was today confirmed that Greaves Sports will again be the title sponsor of the 1872 Cup derbies between Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.

The now-traditional festive double-header, which sees the Scottish professional teams clash for vital Magners League points as well as local bragging rights, is now just a fortnight away, with the first round of combat taking place at Firhill on Monday 27 December (kick-off 5.35pm) and the rematch scheduled for Murrayfield on Sunday 2 January 2011 (kick-off 5.35pm).

At a launch in Greaves Sports’ Gordon Street branch in Glasgow this afternoon, it was revealed that the sides will once again be competing for the Greaves Sports 1872 Cup, with Scottish Rugby’s official retail partner sponsoring the oldest continuous fixture in world rugby for a second successive year.

Edinburgh captain Roddy Grant and Glasgow Warriors skipper Al Kellock were on hand to celebrate the confirmation of Greaves’ continued involvement and expressed their excitement at the forthcoming inter-city battles.

Grant confirmed: “It’s great news that Greaves are on board again, and just being at the launch today has really got the anticipation flowing.

“The games are just around the corner now, and as usual it will be a huge week for everyone in Scottish rugby. The players on both sides really look forward to these matches, and the intensity definitely goes up a notch when local pride is at stake.

“Both ourselves and Glasgow have big Heineken Cup games at the weekend [at home to Castres and away to Toulouse respectively], and then we’ll roll straight into the derbies. It’s going to be a massively exciting couple of weeks; exactly the sort of challenge you want to be involved in as a player.

”From an Edinburgh point of view, we’re desperate to perform a lot better than last year and get our hands back on the trophy.”

It was Kellock who had the pleasure of lifting the much-prized silverware last time out after Glasgow won both legs of the season 2009/10 Greaves Sports 1872 Cup. The first fixture at Firhill saw Sean Lineen’s men triumph 25-12, while the Warriors claimed their first victory in the capital for ten years the following weekend (22-12), thanks to scores from back-three men Bernardo Stortoni and DTH van der Merwe and 12 points from the boot of Scotland stand-off Dan Parks.

Kellock today expressed his determination to ensure a repeat scenario this time out. The lock forward said: “The derbies are always great games to be part of, especially when you win. We were really happy with the performances we delivered in both of last year’s matches, and we’ll be going all out to give our supporters another couple of victories later this month.

“The Greaves Sports 1872 Cup is a real showpiece for Scottish rugby and I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t sampled the rivalry and atmosphere before to get themselves along to Firhill and Murrayfield for what should be two fantastic occasions.”

Last year’s games saw the biggest crowds of the season at both venues. Supporters are being encouraged to book early for this season’s clashes, with adult tickets priced £15 until 17 December.

Tickets can be purchased online (www.edinburghrugby.org and www.glasgowwarriors.org), by telephone (0131 346 5180 and 0844 800 3490), and in person at the Murrayfield Ticket Centre and the Greaves Sports branches at 23/25 Gordon Street and 80/82 Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow.

Stephen McCranor, Greaves Sports’ director of communications, enthused about the company’s commitment to the festive derbies and encouraged supporters based in the west to exploit the convenience of buying their tickets in-store.

He said: “We at Greaves are delighted to be associated with the 1872 Cup and look forward to two great games. This annual double-header is growing in popularity every year, and does a lot for the profile of the pro-game in Scotland.

“Tickets are selling well in our stores, and we look forward to helping even more supporters secure their seats over the next fortnight.”

Craig Docherty and Kenny Baillie, the chief executives of Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors respectively, were today united in their enthusiasm both at Greaves Sports’ involvement and the prospect of two more memorable games.

Docherty said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome back Greaves Sports for an event that has really captured the public’s imagination in recent years and that has the potential to get even bigger.

“Everyone at Edinburgh is thoroughly looking forward to the games and the chance to put last year right. Announcing the good news about Greaves today has really go the ball rolling on what’s shaping up to be a very exciting period.”

Baillie said: “Everyone at Glasgow Warriors welcomes the confirmation that Greaves Sports are once again the title sponsor of the 1872 Cup.

“Glasgow Warriors have a long-standing relationship with Greaves Sports, and their support of the country’s biggest rugby fixtures, the 1872 Cup, once again demonstrates the commitment they have to rugby in Glasgow and across Scotland.”

Vernon to start for Scotland

Posted on Nov 24, 2010 in Rugby News

Jacobsen and Lamont reach landmark

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has challenged his team to step up their performance in Saturday’s final EMC Autumn Test against Samoa at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen.

Robinson has made one change in personnel from the team that started last week’s victory over world champions South Africa at Murrayfield.  Richie Vernon, the 23-year-old Glasgow Warrior, who enjoyed a considerable impact off the bench, will make his second start for Scotland at No 8, with Nathan Hines switching to his optimum berth of lock and Kelly Brown reverting to blindside flanker.

On the bench, scrum-half Mike Blair has recovered from the head knock he sustained against New Zealand and is preferred to Greig Laidlaw and Max Evans returns after his shoulder injury from the same game instead of Chris Paterson.

Robinson said today: “Our supporters were understandably delighted by our win against South Africa but that game is now history and we have to start afresh against quality international opposition in Samoa.

“They will bring their own very physical, hard-running dimension to Saturday’s game and we need to be absolutely focused on upping our performance this weekend.”

Robinson went on: “I thought Richie Vernon showed his mettle as an international rugby player when he came on for Scott MacLeod last Saturday and he has a chance to demonstrate those traits from the start on Saturday.

“I also want to congratulate Chunk (Allan Jacobsen) and Sean Lamont as this weekend will mark their 50th caps.  Both have had periods of injury adversity in their careers but they have shown the sort of determination we will need on Saturday to return from such experiences to be better players for it.”

Jacobsen becomes the 29th Scot, Lamont the 30th, to reach the milestone, while Dan Parks equalled John Rutherford’s drop-goal record for Scotland when he landed his 12th such score last Saturday.

Scotland’s players will be undertaking a number of visits to primary and secondary schools in and around Aberdeen tomorrow (Thursday) and there is much excitement in the Granite City ahead of Saturday.

Tickets for the big game are selling fast and a capacity attendance of 20,500 is being targeted. Tickets cost £15, £20 and £30 for adults and £7.50, £10 and £15 for under-18s and students.  You can buy in four ways: online at www.scottishrugby.org; via the 24 hour hotline number 0844 335 3933 until 12 midnight on Friday; or in person from 9am-5pm from the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre, Gate A, Roseburn Street, Edinburgh.

Locals can also buy in person from the Aberdeen FC Ticket Centre at Pittodrie or by telephone on  01224 631903. Please note: there are no ticket sales on match day.

Scotland team (sponsor Murray) to play Samoa in the EMC Autumn Test at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen on Saturday 27 November (kick-off 2.30pm)

15 Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais) 56 caps, 8 tries, 40 points

14 Nikki Walker (Ospreys) 17 caps, 4 tries, 20 points
13 Joe Ansbro (Northampton Saints) 1 cap
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 27 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
11 Sean Lamont (Scarlets) 49 caps, 7 tries, 35 points

10 Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues) 55 caps, 4 tries, 10 conversions, 40 penalties, 12 drop goals, 196 points
9 Rory Lawson (Gloucester) 21 caps CAPTAIN

1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh) 49 caps
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh) 42 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
3 Euan Murray (Northampton Saints) 34 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
4 Nathan Hines (Leinster) 66 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
5 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 5 caps
6 Kelly Brown (Saracens) 39 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
8 Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors) 5 caps
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 22 caps, 2 tries, 10 points

Substitutes

16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps
17 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 9 caps
18 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester) 30 caps, 1 try, 5 points
19 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh) 3 caps
20 Mike Blair (Edinburgh) 65 caps, 5 tries, 25 points
21 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors) 1 cap
22 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors) 14 caps, 2 tries, 10 points

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia RU).  Assistant referees: Marius Jonker and Cobus Wessels (both South Africa).  TMO: Tony Redmond (Ireland).