Update from Callum Murray: Introducing Rugby to Kids in Zambia this Summer

The Rugby Plus team was thrilled to receive our first update from Callum Murray on his ongoing experiences in Zambia, where he is participating in an IDEALS (International Development Through Excellence and Leadership in Sport) initiative, introducing touch rugby to children out there. Callum, a physical education student based in Stirling and Scottish rugby enthusiast, first came across Rugby Plus and our head honcho David Brown when he was randomly selected as the winner of our Facebook competition, winning two tickets to the 2013 Emirates Airlines Glasgow 7s tournament at Scotstoun. Callum then went on to perform brilliantly in the Edinburgh half marathon, sporting a Rugby Plus t-shirt donated by David.

Callum has been working in the community of Kalingalinga, Lusaka, where they use a dust field for all games and footballs made out of shopping bags tied together. Callum has been blown away by the appreciation he’s witnessed by kids and adults alike out there for sport – if only he could bring the attitudes back to Scotland!

Hearing about Callum introducing rugby to the local kids is an inspiring tale: he describes the moment when he brought along a couple of rugby balls to the local kids who can't afford schooling as something he will never forget. He kicked a ball down the field for the kids to chase for 3 hours last week, as they love chasing the unpredictable bounce! Callum has continued doing this for an hour each day since, and his following has expanded to include quite a large group of youngsters. He has done a few passing practices with them which they loved, and has now started introducing some rugby rules to them.

Callum is repping for Rugby Plus in Zambia, kitted out in our gear. We’re hoping for some photos soon, so watch this space!

Rugby Plus Kick Off at Royal Highland Show

Following weeks of blood, sweat and tears, the Rugby Plus stand is finally up and running at the Royal Highland Show! We are based just next to the West Gate until Sunday, so please come down and say hello! Fingers crossed the rain stays off til Sunday…

We will be selling an extensive range of our rugby kit and equipment, and there are great bargains to be had. The early bird gets the worm – we’re selling kit from £5.00 – yes, honestly £5.00 - when it’s gone it’s gone! We will also be stocking some very cool t-shirts supplied by Dump Tackle if you’re looking for something a bit different. Each day has a different theme, so come along to get involved and meet the RugbyPlus team! If you can't make it to the show, don't despair - all our stock is still available on our website and in our Aberdeen store.

We know you all love a freebie, so we’ll also be giving away several rugby jerseys signed by big players at the show through a free raffle. Simply ask at our stand for more details. We’ll also be giving away SCRUM Magazines on Friday, so get in there quick to nab your free copy!

Be sure to check out our Rugby Plus Facebook page and Twitter account for regular updates from the show, which will also be posted in the Twitter feed on our website homepage. And don’t forget our Facebook Canterbury Giveaway ends TOMORROW. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning a great prize is like us here. Easy peasy!

Come and say hello to our friendly team!

If you’ve not yet got your tickets for the show, it’s not too late! You can purchase them here or through the homepage link at the bottom of the Rugby Plus website. If you want to get in touch with us during the event, Rugby Plus Head Honcho Dave Brown will be dipping into his emails occasionally and can be contacted on home@rugbyplus.com. Or feel free to give us a call on 01224 647347.

We look forward to seeing you over the next few days!

Rugby Plus at the Royal Highland Show

We are looking forward to having a Rugby Plus stand at this year’s Royal Highland Show 20-23rd June. The annual show is Scotland's farming and countryside showcase. Each year more than 1,000 exhibitors, 4,500 livestock, and close to 185,000 visitors descend on the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston so it is set to be another fantastic event for the Rugby Plus team. 

This year we will have a theme each day so come along daily for something different and get the chance to meet the team. We will be on hand to chat about our full range of rugby products and to enjoy a bit of banter as well. 

Thursday - Opening

Friday – Scrum Magazine

Saturday – Samurai

Sunday – Canterbury

We will have a number of signed rugby jerseys at the show which will be involved in a free raffle. Simply ask at our stand for more details and be sure to check out our Rugby Plus facebook page and twitter account for more information on the jerseys and regular updates from the show. 

There is also currently a Canterbury Giveaway competition on our facebook page. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning a great prize is like us here.

If you wish to contact us before the event then please do so on 01224 647347 or home@rugbyplus.com

Queensland Reds and Lions Tour So Far

Then Lions will face Queensland Reds at the Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Saturday 8th June hoping to make it 3 wins from 3 after a convincing eight try, 29-8 win over the Barbarians in their opening match and another well fought 69-17 win over Western Force.

They were however dealt a massive injury blow as prop Cian Healy was forced to leave the tour with an ankle injury picked up in the win over Western Force. London Irish Prop Alex Corbisiero has been called up as cover for Cian. There was also other injury news today as Jonny Wilkinson has had surgery on a groin injury effectively ending any chance of a late call up to the squad.

Queensland Reds coach Ewen McKenzie is set to name his strongest possible side against the Lions who will be prepared for a more difficult match than the previous 2 wins. The Reds were the last team to beat the Lions with a famous 15-11 win in 1971.

There will however be noticeable absentees as 7 of the Reds have been called up to the Wallabies squad. Most of the pre match discussion has been on how the talented Quade Cooper performs at fly-half after his clash with Aussie coach Robbie Deans has left him cast out of the Australian set up. So keep an eye on Quade. Here are the squads for tomorrow’s fixture.

Reds: 15 Ben Lucas, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Luke Morahan, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nick Frisby, 1 Ben Daley, 2 James Hanson, 3 Greg Holmes, 4 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 5 Ed O'Donoghue, 6 Eddie Quirk, 7 Beau Robinson, 8 Jake Schatz. Replacements: 16 Albert Anae, 17 Sam Denny, 18 Jono Owen, 19 Radike Samo, 20 Jarrad Butler, 21 Jono Lance, 22 Mike Harris, 23 Dom Shipperley

British and Irish Lions: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Tommy Bowe, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Tom Youngs, 3 Matt Stevens, 4 Richie Gray, 5 Geoff Parling, 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 8 Toby Faletau. Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Dan Cole, 18 Adam Jones, 19 Paul O'Connell, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jonathan Sexton, 23 George North