Borders and Edinburgh Clans clash on successful day at Mansfield Park

THE CLAN unified rugby was set up so that players with physical and learning disabilities can play alongside able bodied players (enablers). There are seven teams throughout Scotland who play against each other and also against mainstream clubs, to help showcase the game, and how it benefits the players.

The teams also attend rugby festivals throughout the summer playing 7s & 10s. This has been a great success because with less ‘enablers’ on the pitch it gives the players more space and opportunities to play their game and allows more running rugby.

Borders Clan met Edinburgh Clan this Sunday [16th October] at the iconic Mansfield Park, home of Hawick RFC. This was the first game for a lot of the players since the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions being out in place. To say there was excitement within both squads before kick off would be an understatement, and it certainly showed on the pitch with 15 players with learning and physical disabilities taking part, and some great running rugby from both sides to entertain the crowd.

Ultimately, and most importantly, the camaraderie and craic in the clubhouse after the game was great, which players, parents and enablers all enjoying some great banter.

The result was a close one, with the Borders running out winners by the odd score [26-22], showing great spirit to comeback late in the game after going behind early in the second half. Ultimately, however, with smiling faces all around, it was the great game of rugby which was the winner.

• Words: David Cranston
• Images: Malcolm Grant

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Colin Campbell ready to take on Scottish rugby with Macron