NPR

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2024 4:33 pm Walkerburn Rugby Club should have been celebrating their 140th anniversary next year, instead they are to close down due to lack of numbers. I played against them a few times way back when. This is sad.



“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of the Walkerburn Rugby Club. After much consideration and reflection, the committee has made the difficult decision to cease operations. We believe it is our duty to provide clarity regarding the reasons behind this pivotal moment in our club’s history.

“Over the years, we have witnessed a gradual decline in player participation. Despite our best efforts, assembling a team for matches has become increasingly challenging. The lack of sufficient player numbers has impacted our ability to compete effectively.

“Our dedicated committee members have tirelessly worked to keep the club afloat. However, the burden of managing critical tasks has fallen upon a small group [and] the workload has become overwhelming. They have valiantly attempted to perform the duties of a full team, but it is no longer sustainable.

“The cancellation of our 100th sevens tournament and our absence from the 24-25 season, which would have been our 140th season, weighs heavily on our hearts. These milestones were meant to celebrate our rich history and the passion we share for rugby.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the years. From the SRU to fellow clubs such as Gala YM and Lismore. Additionally, we appreciate the individuals who volunteered their time, ensuring that Walkerburn Rugby Club remained a vibrant part of our community.

“While the chapter may be closing, the memories forged on the pitch, the friendships kindled, and the spirit of rugby will forever resonate within us. We bid farewell with gratitude and a sense of pride for the legacy we leave behind.

“Sincerely, The Walkerburn Rugby Club Committee.”

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Apr 20, 2024 9:33 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Apr 20, 2024 7:51 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Apr 20, 2024 7:47 pm

I have a 5 year old. I thought I had a few years before sleepovers

So did we, but she decided she wanted a dinner party then sleepover for her birthday …. 2 sets of the other parents have been sending photos of themselves in the pub, the pricks

I don't want to sound like, well whatever this sounds like, but cherish this, all of a sudden they will be finished with college or whatever and have their own lives.

I have no idea where the last 20 years went.

Blackmac wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 7:12 am

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Apr 20, 2024 9:33 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Apr 20, 2024 7:51 pm

So did we, but she decided she wanted a dinner party then sleepover for her birthday …. 2 sets of the other parents have been sending photos of themselves in the pub, the pricks

I don't want to sound like, well whatever this sounds like, but cherish this, all of a sudden they will be finished with college or whatever and have their own lives.

I have no idea where the last 20 years went.

My sentiment exactly. My granddaughter is 3 and a half and it is an absolutely sensational age. My daughter and SiL have already had a 'Minimoon' and will shortly be going away for a full Honeymoon without her. It means that we are getting the pleasure of taking her away ourselves but I constantly moan at them that they shouldn't miss any opportunity to getaway with her because it will pass too quick.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 10:19 am

Blackmac wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 7:12 am

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Apr 20, 2024 9:33 pm



I don't want to sound like, well whatever this sounds like, but cherish this, all of a sudden they will be finished with college or whatever and have their own lives.

I have no idea where the last 20 years went.

My sentiment exactly. My granddaughter is 3 and a half and it is an absolutely sensational age. My daughter and SiL have already had a 'Minimoon' and will shortly be going away for a full Honeymoon without her. It means that we are getting the pleasure of taking her away ourselves but I constantly moan at them that they shouldn't miss any opportunity to getaway with her because it will pass too quick.

I've enjoyed the period from when my daughter first became truly 'interactive' - around 3ish - until now immensely. It really is such a great age, they are so enthusiastic about everything and although they have their moments, they are generally a delight to be around.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 8:48 am I said this a few weeks ago when we were in the same position, I really hope the final table is as it is now. 2 Irish, 2 Scottish, 2 South African an Italian and a Welsh team into the playoffs. Perfect for keeping everyone interested in the league going into the playoffs and great to see at least one team from each country able to mount a reasonable challenge.

charltom wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 11:05 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 10:19 am

Blackmac wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 7:12 am

My sentiment exactly. My granddaughter is 3 and a half and it is an absolutely sensational age. My daughter and SiL have already had a 'Minimoon' and will shortly be going away for a full Honeymoon without her. It means that we are getting the pleasure of taking her away ourselves but I constantly moan at them that they shouldn't miss any opportunity to getaway with her because it will pass too quick.

I've enjoyed the period from when my daughter first became truly 'interactive' - around 3ish - until now immensely. It really is such a great age, they are so enthusiastic about everything and although they have their moments, they are generally a delight to be around.

I have a 6 and a 4 year old. It's glorious. Most of the time!

They are so fun and so loving, and so very kind. Most of the time!

I find I get annoyed with myself because I know I should treasure this time more than I sometimes do...

charltom wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 11:05 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 10:19 am

Blackmac wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 7:12 am

My sentiment exactly. My granddaughter is 3 and a half and it is an absolutely sensational age. My daughter and SiL have already had a 'Minimoon' and will shortly be going away for a full Honeymoon without her. It means that we are getting the pleasure of taking her away ourselves but I constantly moan at them that they shouldn't miss any opportunity to getaway with her because it will pass too quick.

I've enjoyed the period from when my daughter first became truly 'interactive' - around 3ish - until now immensely. It really is such a great age, they are so enthusiastic about everything and although they have their moments, they are generally a delight to be around.

I have a 6 and a 4 year old. It's glorious. Most of the time!

They are so fun and so loving, and so very kind. Most of the time!

I find I get annoyed with myself because I know I should treasure this time more than I sometimes do...

robmatic wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 12:24 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 11:05 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 10:19 am

I've enjoyed the period from when my daughter first became truly 'interactive' - around 3ish - until now immensely. It really is such a great age, they are so enthusiastic about everything and although they have their moments, they are generally a delight to be around.

I have a 6 and a 4 year old. It's glorious. Most of the time!

They are so fun and so loving, and so very kind. Most of the time!

I find I get annoyed with myself because I know I should treasure this time more than I sometimes do...

My wee boy is just coming up to 5 and he is a sweet little kid. Has loads of varied things that he is enthusiastic about (dinosaurs, lego, singing, dancing) and talks relentlessly. It's great but parenting is also pretty tiring, and we don't have grandparents etc. nearby to share the load.

robmatic wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 12:24 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 11:05 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 10:19 am

I've enjoyed the period from when my daughter first became truly 'interactive' - around 3ish - until now immensely. It really is such a great age, they are so enthusiastic about everything and although they have their moments, they are generally a delight to be around.

I have a 6 and a 4 year old. It's glorious. Most of the time!

They are so fun and so loving, and so very kind. Most of the time!

I find I get annoyed with myself because I know I should treasure this time more than I sometimes do...

My wee boy is just coming up to 5 and he is a sweet little kid. Has loads of varied things that he is enthusiastic about (dinosaurs, lego, singing, dancing) and talks relentlessly. It's great but parenting is also pretty tiring, and we don't have grandparents etc. nearby to share the load.

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 2:49 pm

robmatic wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 12:24 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2024 11:05 am

I have a 6 and a 4 year old. It's glorious. Most of the time!

They are so fun and so loving, and so very kind. Most of the time!

I find I get annoyed with myself because I know I should treasure this time more than I sometimes do...

My wee boy is just coming up to 5 and he is a sweet little kid. Has loads of varied things that he is enthusiastic about (dinosaurs, lego, singing, dancing) and talks relentlessly. It's great but parenting is also pretty tiring, and we don't have grandparents etc. nearby to share the load.

Yeah, we have struggled with that a bit. Much as I love spending time with them, it would be nice to just offload for a night every now and then.

inactionman wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 3:16 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 2:49 pm

robmatic wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 12:24 pm

My wee boy is just coming up to 5 and he is a sweet little kid. Has loads of varied things that he is enthusiastic about (dinosaurs, lego, singing, dancing) and talks relentlessly. It's great but parenting is also pretty tiring, and we don't have grandparents etc. nearby to share the load.

Yeah, we have struggled with that a bit. Much as I love spending time with them, it would be nice to just offload for a night every now and then.

I'd settle for a lie-in!

Our two girls are wonderful but very hard work, and listening seems to be optional at best. It's exhausting having to actively corral them, or find new and innovative ways to make brushing teeth fun.

We're also miles away from their one remaining grandparent (which I begrudge more from the fact my dad doesn't see them as often as he, they or we would like) and I'd never ask my brothers to help as I prefer my kids in one piece. It can be exhausting, and I end up shouting a lot more than I'd like - to be honest, any shouting is not what I'd like - as we get to end of tether. A bit of time away would really help just to get a bit of parenting air into lungs.

It's all pretty trivial in the grand scheme of things. They're brilliant, daft, loving and tremendous fun. I just wish they came with a volume switch and/or a sleep setting.

Blackmac wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:33 am

inactionman wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 3:16 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 2:49 pm

Yeah, we have struggled with that a bit. Much as I love spending time with them, it would be nice to just offload for a night every now and then.

I'd settle for a lie-in!

Our two girls are wonderful but very hard work, and listening seems to be optional at best. It's exhausting having to actively corral them, or find new and innovative ways to make brushing teeth fun.

We're also miles away from their one remaining grandparent (which I begrudge more from the fact my dad doesn't see them as often as he, they or we would like) and I'd never ask my brothers to help as I prefer my kids in one piece. It can be exhausting, and I end up shouting a lot more than I'd like - to be honest, any shouting is not what I'd like - as we get to end of tether. A bit of time away would really help just to get a bit of parenting air into lungs.

It's all pretty trivial in the grand scheme of things. They're brilliant, daft, loving and tremendous fun. I just wish they came with a volume switch and/or a sleep setting.

That's why grandad world is so much fun.

SaintK wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 11:54 am Jonny Gray released by Exeter with immediate effect today.
He's a free agent as he's not signed with anyone else. Bit of a sicknote recently though

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 2:25 pm

There was one more piece of player news today; Fraser Brown has retired.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 3:59 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 2:25 pm

There was one more piece of player news today; Fraser Brown has retired.

Terrific player, it's never good when a player retires due to injury rather than of his own decision. He is going into coaching, I believe. It's good that his experience stays in the game

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 5:04 pm I've just caught up with the Southern Knights Edinburgh A game from Friday. There was some good pace on display from the Embra backs, both starting and from he bench. I like the look of Jack Brown the fullback.

The 6ft 11 Carmichael was impressive, McVie is going to be a big player for Edinburgh I think, possibly for Scotland too.

There was a gulf in class for sure, but these guys have got to play somewhere, and if anything the scrum went better when Mikey Jones came on at 40 minutes

Biffer wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:17 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 5:04 pm I've just caught up with the Southern Knights Edinburgh A game from Friday. There was some good pace on display from the Embra backs, both starting and from he bench. I like the look of Jack Brown the fullback.

The 6ft 11 Carmichael was impressive, McVie is going to be a big player for Edinburgh I think, possibly for Scotland too.

There was a gulf in class for sure, but these guys have got to play somewhere, and if anything the scrum went better when Mikey Jones came on at 40 minutes

Yeah, and if there's that much of a gulf against Super Six, imagine the extra gulf to playing premiership clubs. We have a massive problem in giving these young lads meaningful game time. And it's only going to get worse.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:22 pm

Biffer wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:17 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 5:04 pm I've just caught up with the Southern Knights Edinburgh A game from Friday. There was some good pace on display from the Embra backs, both starting and from he bench. I like the look of Jack Brown the fullback.

The 6ft 11 Carmichael was impressive, McVie is going to be a big player for Edinburgh I think, possibly for Scotland too.

There was a gulf in class for sure, but these guys have got to play somewhere, and if anything the scrum went better when Mikey Jones came on at 40 minutes

Yeah, and if there's that much of a gulf against Super Six, imagine the extra gulf to playing premiership clubs. We have a massive problem in giving these young lads meaningful game time. And it's only going to get worse.

I completely agree. A recent senior post holder has been against the Super 6 from the start, his club were also against the reorganising of the leagues into fewer national leagues, a set up that was working in every way possible, but dented the reputation of some clubs that had previously played in the national leagues.

They're going to kill rugby in Scotland outside the public school system.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 9:17 pm Mixed news - Boff might be back for the visit to Cardiff on Saturday, but Darcy Graham is out for the rest of the season. He's going to be the proverbial new signing next season. I hope we can get Harry Paterson back for the run in, I'd really like to see Goosen get a run at 13 with Currie at 12.

Biffer wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:17 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 5:04 pm I've just caught up with the Southern Knights Edinburgh A game from Friday. There was some good pace on display from the Embra backs, both starting and from he bench. I like the look of Jack Brown the fullback.

The 6ft 11 Carmichael was impressive, McVie is going to be a big player for Edinburgh I think, possibly for Scotland too.

There was a gulf in class for sure, but these guys have got to play somewhere, and if anything the scrum went better when Mikey Jones came on at 40 minutes

Yeah, and if there's that much of a gulf against Super Six, imagine the extra gulf to playing premiership clubs. We have a massive problem in giving these young lads meaningful game time. And it's only going to get worse.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:21 am

Biffer wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 6:17 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 5:04 pm I've just caught up with the Southern Knights Edinburgh A game from Friday. There was some good pace on display from the Embra backs, both starting and from he bench. I like the look of Jack Brown the fullback.

The 6ft 11 Carmichael was impressive, McVie is going to be a big player for Edinburgh I think, possibly for Scotland too.

There was a gulf in class for sure, but these guys have got to play somewhere, and if anything the scrum went better when Mikey Jones came on at 40 minutes

Yeah, and if there's that much of a gulf against Super Six, imagine the extra gulf to playing premiership clubs. We have a massive problem in giving these young lads meaningful game time. And it's only going to get worse.

I think two big issues are that rugby in England is a mess and in France it's thriving so you have two markets our players go to cut down. And the URC not playing in international game weeks means fewer minutes available for the fringes.

The Scottish pro clubs should only play SQ players I think. Project players aren't a viable development pathway anymore. It would mean a lean year or two probably but maybe not.

Also Edinburgh and Glasgow A should've been in the super6 from the start. It was always an SRU plan that wasn't going to be affordable or commercially viable past a few clubs - you'd have thought Melrose would be one but sadly not.

In Scottish rugby we get all those privately educated lads who tend to walk into international rugby as soon as they become established as a pro and I suspect that isn't helpful in terms of building a high-performance culture.

Big D wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 9:54 am Definitely need to be selective with NSQ players but quality imports are still important IMO.

There are a couple of positions where a quality import can be really helpful. Especially if top Scots want to move abroad.

Jock42 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 9:25 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 9:17 pm Mixed news - Boff might be back for the visit to Cardiff on Saturday, but Darcy Graham is out for the rest of the season. He's going to be the proverbial new signing next season. I hope we can get Harry Paterson back for the run in, I'd really like to see Goosen get a run at 13 with Currie at 12.

Paterson was potentially going to be back last weekend so fingers crossed for Cardiff.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 10:37 am

Big D wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 9:54 am Definitely need to be selective with NSQ players but quality imports are still important IMO.

There are a couple of positions where a quality import can be really helpful. Especially if top Scots want to move abroad.

The issue just is that there's so few opportunities for top Scots to go abroad now so we're in a position most Scottish developed internationals are in Scotland. And they we sign up the non Scottish developed internationals e.g. Skinner, Healy is their Scottish cap makes it harder to get contracts.

There just isn't the case for having NSQs who aren't saying Bofelli level world class when we don't lose internationals and struggle to develop them as we have no pathway.

Big D wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 3:50 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 10:37 am

Big D wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 9:54 am Definitely need to be selective with NSQ players but quality imports are still important IMO.

There are a couple of positions where a quality import can be really helpful. Especially if top Scots want to move abroad.

The issue just is that there's so few opportunities for top Scots to go abroad now so we're in a position most Scottish developed internationals are in Scotland. And they we sign up the non Scottish developed internationals e.g. Skinner, Healy is their Scottish cap makes it harder to get contracts.

There just isn't the case for having NSQs who aren't saying Bofelli level world class when we don't lose internationals and struggle to develop them as we have no pathway.

Is it a lack of opportunity or lack of SRU/player willingness to let the player leave SRU control? Same thing I suppose.

If the sole aim of Edinburgh and Glasgow is to provide players for Scotland then sure. But there isn't the strength in depth in some positions from only Scottish qualified (and affordable) players. I also don't agree that it needs to be absolute top class players that are brought in to help improve things in certain positions although it clearly helps when they are that good.

Decent quality NSQs who improve the side are better signings than the likes of McBurney, especially when they can act as good mentors to the younger players. I still think Edinburgh (and Currie) would have benefitted a good NSQ centre rather than resigning Lang for example. Shiel would have benefitted from a decent quality mentor but that time has been and gone.

Good NSQs who can contribute could and should be a part of the development of SQ players where the right opportunity arises.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 1:21 pm

Jock42 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 9:25 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Apr 23, 2024 9:17 pm Mixed news - Boff might be back for the visit to Cardiff on Saturday, but Darcy Graham is out for the rest of the season. He's going to be the proverbial new signing next season. I hope we can get Harry Paterson back for the run in, I'd really like to see Goosen get a run at 13 with Currie at 12.

Paterson was potentially going to be back last weekend so fingers crossed for Cardiff.

I've just read that Paterson is now expected back for the Zebre game in a couple of weeks, but Boff should be available for the Cardiff game as long as he has no reaction to training.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 4:36 pm
It's lack of opportunity firstly - look at transfers from Scottish clubs to English/French clubs 5/10 years to now. Kinghorn the only recent notable departure.

Then secondly yes SRU control specifically if you cap say James Lang. And his lack of qualification results in him struggling for a contract, other players are less likely to commit.

Is McBurney a good mentor? I think Harrison would be fine learning from the hookers who play ahead of McBurney and then plays actual rugby instead of McBurney.

Big D wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 3:50 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 10:37 am

Big D wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 9:54 am Definitely need to be selective with NSQ players but quality imports are still important IMO.

There are a couple of positions where a quality import can be really helpful. Especially if top Scots want to move abroad.

The issue just is that there's so few opportunities for top Scots to go abroad now so we're in a position most Scottish developed internationals are in Scotland. And they we sign up the non Scottish developed internationals e.g. Skinner, Healy is their Scottish cap makes it harder to get contracts.

There just isn't the case for having NSQs who aren't saying Bofelli level world class when we don't lose internationals and struggle to develop them as we have no pathway.

Is it a lack of opportunity or lack of SRU/player willingness to let the player leave SRU control? Same thing I suppose.

If the sole aim of Edinburgh and Glasgow is to provide players for Scotland then sure. But there isn't the strength in depth in some positions from only Scottish qualified (and affordable) players. I also don't agree that it needs to be absolute top class players that are brought in to help improve things in certain positions although it clearly helps when they are that good.

Decent quality NSQs who improve the side are better signings than the likes of McBurney, especially when they can act as good mentors to the younger players. I still think Edinburgh (and Currie) would have benefitted a good NSQ centre rather than resigning Lang for example. Shiel would have benefitted from a decent quality mentor but that time has been and gone.

Good NSQs who can contribute could and should be a part of the development of SQ players where the right opportunity arises.