Local club heroes invited to Club Appreciation Night clash

6 Oct 2022

As the Edinburgh Rugby players pull on the socks of local clubs this Friday night to recognise the importance of the grassroots game, the capital side have invited a number of deserving club heroes to the fixture against Emirates Lions.

From club bar men and women, physios and the weekend volunteers that run touch every Saturday afternoon, the grassroots game simply wouldn’t function without those local heroes that give up their time to keep clubs running.

One of those club heroes is Portobello RFC’s Andy Glass who – alongside his father Stewart – have been invited to the URC match-up at DAM Health Stadium.

Portobello RFC President Lesley Edgar discussed the impact Andy has made and why he’s so deserving of a complimentary night out at the rugby.

“After the passing of Mr Portobello – Barry Sinclair – in December 2021, Andy was one of the senior players who really stepped up to support me as the new president,” explained Edgar.

“He has helped with the organisation of the resurrected Porty 7s – a massive success – and the second XV’s tour to Highland, as well as numerous other events.

“He is always volunteering to take jobs on and is currently designing and ordering the strips for the club tour to Majorca next year.

“As well as being our regular prop, he can be found wandering the club after the games raising funds – he’s a brilliant guy that has already helped me so much.

“I have been very fortunate with the support I’ve received since taking over as President and count Andy as one of the team I can count on.”

Andy and his father will now have the opportunity to join a host of other local club heroes at tomorrow night’s match at DAM Health Stadium as Edinburgh Rugby return home following a two-week tour to South Africa.

And the Portobello RFC prop will no doubt be keeping an eye on full-back Henry Immelman who will be sporting the navy and yellow striped socks of the Calvalry Park side.

Portobello RFC President, Edgar, continued: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Edinburgh Rugby reached out to offer club heroes complimentary tickets – it’s a fantastic initiative and one that deepens the connection between the city’s professional club and teams like Portobello RFC.

“It’ll be brilliant to see Henry [Immelman] wearing the navy and yellow of Porty and we’re more than happy if he wants to turn out for us when Edinburgh have a free weekend!”