Edinburgh Rugby players give back ahead of festive derbies

• 20 Dec 2023
• News

The Edinburgh Rugby squad have been out and about, supporting two brilliant local causes and spreading some Christmas cheer ahead of the upcoming 1872 Cup festive derbies.

With some members of the squad making the annual visit to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, and others supporting Edinburgh Community Food – delivering food packages across the city – it’s been a day of giving back to those that need it most during the festive period.

Starting at the city’s ‘Edinburgh Community Food’, the squad mucked in to move, box and deliver over 400 food packages to families with school aged kids, all of whom won’t receive school meals during the holidays.

Pairing up into teams, the players joined forces with staff at Edinburgh Community Food and City of Edinburgh Council to deliver the packages throughout a morning of connecting with the club’s local communities.

More on Edinburgh Community Food can be found HERE.

The Edinburgh squad then made the annual visit to Royal Hospital for Children and Young People – a highlight in the club’s festive calendar.

With over 25 players and staff on the visit, the squad were able to spread festive cheer around the childrens’ wards, handing out flags and mini rugby balls to the patients, families and staff that are in the hospital during the difficult time of Christmas.

The visit was capped off by Pierre Schoeman’s brilliant fundraising gesture which saw the prop shave off his famous blonde locks to raise money for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

With over £7,000 raised, fans can still donate via the Just Giving page HERE.

Edinburgh Rugby Player Development Manager Ben Atiga has preached the importance of giving back during the festive period.

He said: “Connecting with our local communities is a huge part of what we’re all about at Edinburgh Rugby and it’s vital that our guys understand they are more than rugby players, they are ambassadors of our great sport who can make a real difference.

“Whether you’re helping deliver food packages to those that need it most, or making a young child laugh in the hospital during a time in their life that is undoubtedly tougher than anything we as rugby players will ever face, it’s about standing up as a club and showing that we genuinely care.

“It’s brilliant to see the guys out and about in the city today. Edinburgh is ‘Our Burgh’ and it’s a privilege to help out in any way we can.”