Selkirk players neatly adopt a new challenge

Members of the club’s playing squad have embarked on yet another ‘challenge’ to support the local community – litter collection.

The idea came from former 1st XV skipper Ross Nixon and follows a similar venture by Glasgow Warriors’ professional players.

“When you’re walking in and around Selkirk, you can’t help noticing pieces of litter that have been left lying around, often when proper bins aren’t that far away,” said Ross.

“I thought it would be a good idea for Selkirk players to take a bin bag with them when they head out to take their daily exercise, picking up any litter they see next to paths or along roadside verges.

“We’re lucky in Selkirk to have such unspoilt countryside to exercise in, so it’s a shame to see it spoiled by discarded empty bottles, food wrappers and general rubbish. I kicked off the campaign by nominating three members of our players’ WhatsApp group – Aaron McColm, Ewan MacDougall and Liam Cassidy – to collect litter on their walks.

“Each of this trio will then challenge a further three players to collect litter and, in turn, these three will nominate other team-mates, and so on.”

The project has the backing of Selkirk head coach Scott Wight, who said: “It’s another way the club can put something back into the community, though this time, there’s no sponsorship involved.

“It looks as if it could be a while before any rugby is going to be played, so this latest effort not only helps keep the players in touch with each other, it’s also providing a useful service for the Selkirk community.”

Meanwhile, Selkirk RFC is to stage its annual players presentation night tomorrow (Friday) – albeit this year’s event will, of necessity, be a ‘virtual’ get-together.

The plan is for the club’s coaches, players and rugby officials to be digitally linked via Zoom, with Scott Wight taking charge of proceedings.

“Nine trophies are up for grabs and the name of each winner will be announced separately on the video link, followed by film footage, or photos, of that player in a match situation,” he said.

“Short addresses will be given by, among others, the club’s chairman and director of rugby, as well as recaps of the 1st and ‘A’ XVs’ seasons by the sides’ respective team managers. It should be a fun evening.”