East Lothian Courier | Sport | Fruitful future for Scarlets

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Thursday, 17th January, 2008 09:30

Fruitful future for Scarlets

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HADDINGTON Rugby Club’s youth development officer has submitted a glowing end of year progress report as the club steps up its bid to find future talent.

Greig Munro, 20, who is also a flanker for the first team, was appointed to the full-time role in July last year and has been working with local kids throughout the county.

His initial £27,000 three-year contract is financed by the club, the SRU, Sportsmatch and a range of sponsorship from businesses in the local area including Tesco plc, Cala Homes, MacTaggart & Mickel, Morhamburn, Lemac, Johnny’s Cabs, East Lothian Physiotherapy and the Rotary Club of Haddington.

The first team has enjoyed reasonable success over the last few years after winning the Premiership Division 3 title last year which ensured promotion to Division 2 where they have endured a mixed season so far.

The Scarlets topped the table for the early part of the season, but their promotion hopes faltered following a string of defeats and the club hope a quality youth set-up can help sustain a serious challenge to the larger clubs when it bears fruit.

“The first four months of the new post passed by with great success as I worked alongside primary one children right through to under-18 level,” said Munro.

“August was a very busy month with a record number of children attending our annual summer camp the week before returning to school and they were all put through their paces learning new skills every day.

“Knox Academy has also allowed me core PE time to introduce contact rugby to all first and second year pupils, which has proved highly popular, and has been clearly seen by the increased number of pupils who attended the training.

“Their levels of performance greatly increased from week to week and resulted in some great wins against local rivals in the core programme on a Saturday morning.

“I’d like to thank Knox Academy teachers John Fleming and Andrew Lambert for their continued assistance with the pupils.

“The Haddington under-15s and 16s have developed into two very strong squads this season with both teams continually receiving in excess of 20 players at training sessions.

“Results and improved performances on the pitch are really pushing the development of these boys forward providing real hope for the future of the club with the quality of the players coming through.

“We have also set up a girls section at Knox Academy this year with good numbers coming along, especially with the core time rugby.”

Club president Bill Swan, who wants the club to compete in the Borders League in the future was happy with the progress.

He said: “We’re very optimistic this will make a difference and it’s important to maximise the opportunity as it’s up to us to make sure we have a presence in schools.

“We’re hoping this will be a continuous initiative beyond the three years because we probably won’t see the fruits of it until five or six years, but it’s all positive at the moment.”

Contact Greig Munro on 07828131601 for more details on the youth programme.

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