Stevenson set for return to Murrayfield

Jul 1 2009 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

FORMER Cambuslang Rugby Club president Jim Stevenson is looking forward to his second term as president of the Scottish Rugby Union.

Jim, who was re-elected to the post at the SRU Annual General Meeting, has thanked everyone who contributes to the game in Scotland, whether as a player, fan, or behind-the-scenes worker.

And he particularly singled out those who give up their own time, without reward, for helping to keep rugby alive in Scotland.

Jim said: “I firstly wish to thank each and every person who attended the AGM for their presence and for their commitment, volunteering and love for our sport.

“It is not easy running a member club or affiliated body and, indeed, it is not easy to run the SRU, although we are fortunate in that we have the help and support of our colleagues in the media to keep us right on occasions!

“Sacrifices require to be made in our family and work commitments to help out in our great sport of rugby and I know from my travels around the country, visiting clubs and speaking with committee members and others that this level of time sacrifice is growing at an alarming rate.

“A balance always requires to be struck in such situations and I would hope that after the AGM, everyone would commit to introducing at least one new volunteer to our clubs/affiliated bodies to help out behind the scenes.

“It will not be easy but it is necessary!

“I reflect upon the loss of so many rugby greats and club personalities in the past season at home and abroad.

“Some of our heroes and friends are no longer with us and we pause for a moment to individually reflect upon what they meant to us and the service they give unstintingly to rugby at every level.”

In his speech at Murrayfield, Jim was quick to praise the various winners of the championships, national cups and youth and schools cups, as well as the Edinburgh pro team success.

He also looked at the Glasgow pro team improvements, the continued development of the game, andn well as the importance of the retention of key sponsors in the current difficult economic climate.

Jim also acknowledged that there was disappointing aspects to the game, including regrettable serious injuries to players of all ages, difficulties in recruitment and retention of referees, adverse publicity for the sport in sectors of the media, initial low number of Scots in British and Irish Lions squad, sustained difficulties at every level of Scottish Rugby because of country’s economic frailty, and the failure to improve Scotland’s record in RBS Six Nations championship.

Jim continued: “In addressing club delegates and others, the vital lifeblood of the game, I genuinely feel that my work this past season as their president has consistently stuck to my election ticket to raise their voices within Murrayfield.

“Clubs are the owners of Scottish Rugby.

“I will continue to represent club opinion even when it may be uncomfortable for others to hear criticism of their actions or non-actions.

“I have had a busy year.

“The democratic process means that there is not a monopoly on ideas within the board and council of the SRU. The clubs - the shareholders - are allowed to voice opinions as to the best way ahead, hence their attendance at the AGM.”