President’s Message 2009/10
Season 2009/10 is almost upon us. As always, we look forward to the challenges that the new season brings and I am sure that everyone associated with Haddington RFC, will meet these challenges ‘head on’.
The close season has seen a period of significant change. Our coaches of the past three seasons, Eddie Pollock and Graeme Burns, have moved on to pastures new. We thank them for their hard work over the past three seasons and for the solid foundation that they leave behind. Several established 1st XV players have also moved on and the challenge of replacing those is underway.
With all of the changes taking place, thankfully, our hard working Director of Rugby, Les Hamilton, has decided to stay on in the role for another season. Les has overseen the appointment of our new coaching team - Stewart Bennett, the former Kelso, Melrose and Stewarts Melville FP back row player and ex Stewarts Melville FP coach and Rory Couper, the former Boroughmuir 1st Division Championship winning captain of 2007/08 and former Scotland Club Internationalist and captain. I’d like to welcome Stewart and Rory to the club.
Neil Watt and Derek O’Riordan have been voted in by their fellow players, as captain and vice-captain respectively. As ever, I would encourage everyone to give Neil and Derek, as well as Stewart, Rory and Les, your full support in what, I’m sure, will be a challenging season ahead.
I would also like to congratulate Derek on his appointment as our new Youth Development Officer. Derek takes over from Greig Munro, who has decided to do some travelling ‘Down Under’, and I’m sure that Derek will carry on the good work started by Greig, in the vital role of producing new talent for the senior XVs of the Club.
As I write, the extension to the north side of the clubhouse is nearing completion. It is planned to be complete around the start of September. This will provide the players with a weights and fitness room, new referees’ changing facilities and extra storage space. I’d like to thank John Burns and Craig Harrison for their many hours of hard work in getting our extension completed.
There will be an ongoing maintenance and improvement program for the clubhouse throughout the year, though as ever, these are dependent on available funds. As always, I would encourage any one who feels that they can assist in any way, no matter how small, to offer their services – all help will be gratefully received ! On that point, I would like to thank Alan Waugh for his sterling efforts on the maintenance and improvements to the clubhouse, thus far. The clubhouse is now, hopefully, a more welcoming place for our members, visitors and guests.
We hope to provide a varied entertainment and social calendar for all sections of the club, this season. Please keep a look out on the website, www.haddingtonrfc.com, notice boards and match day programmes for details. As a member, it’s your club – please use it and support as many of these social events as possible.
Finally, in my first season as President, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone to Neilson Park Whether you are a member, guest, visiting club player or official or spectator, I hope you enjoy your visit to Neilson Park and I wish you all the best for the season ahead !
Andrew Cunningham
President HRFC.
