Category: Mini Rugby News

By Alisdair Matheson

Minis on the march again!

We hope you’ve had a fantastic summer and are raring to get back to rugby with a super season ahead.

Dates for the diary:

Sunday 11th August – Club-wide RBS Rugby Force fun day. Keep an eye on HJRFC social media for more information. @HillsMiniRugby @HJRFC

Sunday 18th August – Training starts. See if you can get each child to bring along a friend!

Sunday 1st September – Parents’ meeting after training.

We’ll outline plans for the year ahead and take your thoughts and suggestions. In particular, we want you to think about how you can get involved in the club:

  • as a coach (funding for coaching qualifications available)
  • web/media/publicity maestro
  • catering when we host
  • admin help with kit, registrations and welcoming new children and parents
  • international games organisation
  • and after the success of our P6-7 Marseilles tour, a tour convenor!

More details about Hills Minis Rugby

By Alisdair Matheson

Mini’s Magic Marseille tour

In high spirits our intrepid first time tourists set off one dreich Friday morning for the South of France to test the waters for Scottish rugby in the sun.

Thanks in no small part to the generosity of Glasgow Life and in particular Hills’ sponsors, the “senior” players in our minis section were able to take up the invitation from Marseille’s premiere club Stade Phoceen to participate as one of 24 teams in their hugely successful tournament.

The challenge was to adapt to the different rules played at that age with contested scrums and lineouts, ripping the ball and a few French 12 year olds who rivalled our coaching staff in size and hirsuteness.

On arrival we were met by Tim (an ex-pat) and his son Pablo from Stade Phoceen and were initially disorientated by the complete lack of cloud, something we had to contend with for the whole weekend along with temperatures in the high 20s. Lovely but perhaps not for an all-day tournament! Before finishing the day off with dinner at the club, the city authorities treated us to a walking tour of the old city, proudly predating Paris!

Game heads on for Saturday and the girls and boys did us proud. Adapting to the rules wonderfully and giving a few teams frights on the way, they were never outclassed even if they seemed a bit smaller and younger than their opposition. We suspected there weren’t many p6s out there!

Pushing in their effort, they rallied to win their last match ending on a high.

Sunday was of course a trip to the beach and park for some R&R with our wonderful hosts Tim and Pablo followed by a round of pizzas at a restaurant and an impromptu table football tournament.

All in all a weekend our young players will certainly never forget!

Once again, thanks to Hills’ sponsors and Glasgow Life without whom it simply would not have been possible.

By HillheadJordanhillRFC

HJRFC AGM 2019

HJRFC’s AGM will be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 7th May 2019 at Hillhead Sports Club

Nominations are requested for those wishing to be officiate in leading roles in the Committee. In particular nominations are being sought for the positions of President, Treasurer and Secretary. Nominations should be sent to the Club Secretary, Hunter Kirkpatrick by email to h.kirkpatrick@armour.co.uk no later than Tuesday 30th April.

 

By HillheadJordanhillRFC

Back to school for Hills’ coaches

Coaches from the minis section and also senior players from the Men’s 1XV, 2XV and 2As made up more than half the participants on a recent UKCC Level 1 course at Hughenden. Over the course of two evening sessions and a full day session, this was one of the SRU’s largest ever early years coaching courses. 

A group discussion between Hills’ coaches.

A hugely enjoyable and intensive learning experience for all concerned led by professionals from the SRU. The course educators included Hills’ own Lindsey Smith, current Women’s 1XV and Scotland player, and David “Mini” Mitchell, former Men’s 1XV player and now lecturer.

The Hills’ coaching group after successfully passing the course!

Featuring hands on practical fun activities, it demonstrates Hills’ commitment to getting the coaching right for all our youngsters while providing a fun and safe environment for them to thrive as they start their rugby careers.

Want To Help Out?

If you’re interested in helping out with the Hills Mini section, please get in touch with Ken or Ali on mini-rugby@hjrfc.com. All coaches must have completed the Rugby Ready online course and also completed a PVG check. 

Words: Alisdair Matheson
Pictures: Hamish Adamson & @eck84

By HillheadJordanhillRFC

Michael, Hills P7, Takes Captain Barclay to Battle

Ever since I started playing rugby, I always wanted to be there in person to support Scotland in a rugby game. I felt amazing when I was picked as one of the mascots for the Scotland vs. England Rugby game. I felt like the luckiest person on earth. A few days later when the tickets for the game arrived, I was so happy and I was filled with excitement and I was looking forward to the game.

On the day of the event, the mascots were gathered together to rehears and practice running onto the pitch before the game. I was at the front of the line, meaning I would run out first from the tunnel. Upon running out of the tunnel, I noticed how large the stadium was and how many seats there were and it made me feel very excited and proud, but also a tad nervous.

When the actual event started, I was so lucky to hold the Scottish Team Captain — John Barclay’s hand. He said to me, “I really hope that we win the game.” And with enthusiasm I smiled and answered, “Don’t hope, know! Cause I know you’ve already won the game and so should you, I believe in you!” John smiled down at me and said, “Thanks Michael, that really helps.”

Before we were even on the pitch, we could hear the roar of the crowd. As we ran on I could hear people banging the side of the tunnel and people screaming with joy and excitement and encouragement to the team. The words ‘Scotland, Scotland.’ were chanted repeatedly by supporters. You could feel the noise waving through you. My fellow mascots kneeled to the right of me as I did too. And the rugby players stood behind us. Princess Anne was there also and she was shaking the hands with the Sottish players. All I could see were people all around me, screaming with passion and anticipation. The mascots stood as the English anthem was sung, before we got to sing the Scottish anthem, which I sung loudly with pride.

After the anthem we were sent back through the tunnel to be collected by our parents before we went to watch the game. Scotland played amazing and won the game 25-13 and the Scottish fans cheered.
Afterwards I got to meet the players and get signatures from some of them, even took a few selfies! All in all, it was a brilliant experience and an outstanding match. I hope to be picked again next year and this was an experience I’ll never forget.

Report by Michael Hildrey (Hills P7)

Pictures courtesy of SNS PIX

By HillheadJordanhillRFC

Hills P7 into the Lights at Scotstoun

The Hills P7 squad were recently lucky enough to be invited to a pre-match tournament on the 3G at Scotstoun, the glittering prize on offer was a chance for four of the eight teams to play on the pitch at half-time, with the runners-up providing a Guard of Honour as the professionals of the Glasgow Warriors and Toyota Cheetahs took to the pitch.

On a night which started clear and crisp, and swiftly became wet and windy; Hills set-out against their opening opponents. In a group containing Paisley, Howe of Fife and Dumfries, Paisley were first up.

With each game only lasting 7 minutes, and no set-piece or rucking (players simply had to release and get back onside after a tackle, all re-starts were taps) the stage was set for running rugby. Against Paisley, our good support lines and overall pace saw Hills run away with a well deserved victory. First game of the year, and first win.

Howe of Fife proved a much stronger opposition, and their accuracy, size, pace and support proved too much for Hills. Beautiful tackles were executed, and defensive lines were set, but unfortunately Howe always seemed to be able to offload out of the tackle to a runner coming at pace. In the end we were undone by some very good rugby.

On to a decider against Dumfries Saints. A win, or a draw in which we scored first, would see us under the bright lights at half-time. It was a very closely fought match; crunching tackles, silky side-steps, and quick ball abounded. A score at one end was followed swiftly by a score at the other, with two very different teams unable to squeeze an advantage. Ultimately, the referee blew for full-time with the score at 2 each; unfortunately the first of these had been scored by Dumfries and Hills had to settle for providing the Guard of Honour.

The group have done a lot of training over the winter, and these games were a good chance to practice our running lines and handling. The team did well, and we are all looking forward to our first full game away to Irvine on the 4th of March (where we will endeavour to get them to stand still long enough for a proper squad photo).

Report by Stewart Robison, P7 Coach

By HillheadJordanhillRFC

Summer is Coming, and Tartan Touch at Hughenden

Hillhead Jordanhill RFC is very proud to have been selected as a new Tartan Touch Hub this season!
This summer, The Hills will host sessions at Hughenden of this very integrative and simplified non-contact version of Rugby. Minis, junior and senior players will all mix in, and welcome any new comers to the game and the club.

The rules are very easy and designed to maximise the fun around a rugby ball; please visit tartantouch.org for a preview.

More information will come following this announcement, stay tuned for details!
By Alisdair Matheson

A Glorious Day for Minis Rugby

We welcomed not just spectacular sunshine and GHK to Hughenden on Sunday 11 November but also a good
contingent of Warriors players courtesy of HJRFC sponsors McCrea Financial Services. Despite Remembrance Sunday parades which had depleted both clubs, GHK brought strong squads from P2-3 upwards for a 1000 start in the bright sunshine.

The squads were then treated to some top notch coaching tips from the professional players – amazing how much more they listen to someone from the Warriors than Mums and Dads! Everyone got well and truly stuck in and at least one of the Warriors ended up on his back in the mud. Massive thanks to Leila, Ratu and Samuela for joining us and very special thanks to legendary Dougie Hall for the P6-7 tackling and scrum coaching!

After a well-observed minute’s silence, we got down to the serious part of the day, the games. Great to play under blue skies at this time of the year and each team gave a good account of itself some with more success than others but always in a very friendly environment (at least among the coaches) with all hostilities brought to an end by the final whistle. Special kudos to Italian international back row Samuela Vunisa for refereeing his first ever match without ever needing the TMO.

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed yummy pasta from on site restaurant Cafe Source Too along with cupcakes and sport bottles again courtesy of McCrea Financial Services.

Let’s hope we have some more days like that before the weather closes in!

Text by Alisdair Matheson
Pictures © Craig Watson / www.craigwatson.co.uk / @CraigWatsonpix

By HillheadJordanhillRFC

Mini Rugby Madness and Glasgow Warriors at Hughenden

HJRFC and McCrea FS are delighted to confirm that Glasgow Warriors players will be at Hughenden this Sunday!
As sponsors of Hillhead Jordanhill Minis, McCreas are delighted to support the Hills Minis vs GHK match on Sunday 12th November, 10.00am to 12.30pm, and host parents to a breakfast roll and a cuppa.
If you haven’t done so already, please confirm you will be with us with your young ruggers, either through the Hills Minis Teamer system or at minis-rugby@hjrfc.com
We very much look forward to welcoming you to a marvellous morning of Mini Madness this Sunday!

By HillheadJordanhillRFC

Hills Mini Rugby Returns

Welcome Back!

HJRFC minis start back this Sunday 20 August at the new time of 1100. Feedback has generally been that a slightly earlier time would suit most. Let us know if doesn’t or you would prefer an earlier time yet.

We’ll be training at Hughenden each Sunday with our first game on 10 September.

Get involved! We are always looking for parents to help with coaching and admin.. Don’t worry if you lack rugby or coaching experience, a helping hand is always welcome. We also need parents to take on various organisational tasks. It won’t be a big ask but every bit helps.

Add our Minis Google Calendar