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My guest this week is vice-president of Stewart's Melville RFC - Jason Conlin.   This interview was recorded in March of 2023 and we talked about Jason discovering rugby after fighting with his brother, an incredible experience playing in New Zealand as a young man, his time at Portobello, Stewart's Melville and a stint at Kowloon RFC in Hong Kong, and most importantly, the incredible work that Jason and Stew Mel do to help make rugby available to absolutely everyone.   There are tons of great stories in this completely absorbing conversation - I hope you enjoy!   LINKS Contact Jason Conlin via Stewart's Melville RFC on Twitter @StewMelRugby1 Portobello RFC on Twitter @PortyRFC Kowloon RFC on Twitter @kowloon_rfc Community day - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1so8Y_JGaCXmmWxwAKsopLnBbLnT_aSpg   PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness!   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is Ayrshire Bulls Director of Rugby - John Brown.   This interview was recorded in March of 2023 and we talked about walking rugby, pink strips, the structure and player pathways within Scottish rugby and what it's like to play in The Borders.   John is extremely passionate about improving Scottish rugby and that comes through in spades during this chat - I hope you enjoy!   LINKS Contact John Brown on LinkedIn Ayrshire Bulls on Twitter @AyrshireBulls Ayr Rugby on Twitter @OfficialAyrRFC   PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness!   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is Head Coach of Edinburgh Accies - Iain Berthinussen.   This interview was recorded in February of 2023 and we talked about Berti's remarkable feats of endurance, his experience with testicular cancer, the amazing new Accies clubhouse, growing up and learning rugby in the Scottish borders, playing overseas in Australia, and growing rugby with the BATs programme in Edinburgh.   Berti's landline rang for the first time in several years and a pack of dogs started barking outside my room, but it didn't detract from a fantastic chat - I hope you enjoy!   LINKS Contact Iain Berthinussen on Twitter @iainberti or Instagram @iainberti Edinburgh Accies - https://www.edinburghaccies.com/ Edinburgh BATs - https://www.edinburghbatsrugby.co.uk/about-us/overview-2/ Cahonas Charity - https://www.cahonasscotland.org/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is President of Falkirk RFC - Bill Faulds.   This interview was recorded in February of 2023 and we talked about Bill's late start in the sport, reaching the heights of playing for Stewart's Melville, a mid-career break before returning to Falkirk to win an incredible tally of league titles.   We then chat through his fundamental changes as a coach before discussing what it took to turn around a club on the brink of collapse.   There is so much in this podcast; funny stories, tales of achievement and a ton of useful takeaways  - I hope you enjoy!   LINKS Contact Bill on Twitter - @TarboilerBill Falkirk RFC website Stewart's Melville RFC website   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.

My guest this week is Cumbernauld RFC fly-half - Chris Burns.   This interview was recorded in February of 2023 and we talked about what it's like to play in the same team as your Dad, some of the traditions at 'The Badgers', how they're helping to bring through the youth, what it's like being a non-drinker in a rugby team and some great tips for rugby clubs from Chris' day job of direct response marketing!   I loved my chat with Chris and I hope you do too!   LINKS Chris Burns on Instagram - @savagescholarchris Cumbernauld RFC on Twitter - @cumbernauld_rfc   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is the fantastic, the formidable, Vice-President of the Scottish Rugby Union, Mr Keith Wallace of Haddington RFC.   This interview was recorded in February of 2023 and we talked about the fortunes of the current Scottish Men's team, the dark arts of the front-row, the oldest ongoing Scots/Irish annual fixture, the role of smaller clubs - like Haddington - in the wider game, touring with Penguin Rugby, and plenty of other, often hilarious, stories.   Keith is a superstar and I hope you enjoy his company as much as I did!   LINKS Contact Keith Wallace via the Haddington RFC website Haddington RFC - Website - Facebook - Twitter Haddington RFC - GOATFEST Friends of Rwandan Rugby - Website - Facebook - Twitter CYM Rugby - Website - Twitter Penguin Rugby - Website - Facebook - Twitter    PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is former Old Colfeians team-mate and friend of over 20 years (gulp) - Alex Wicks.   This interview was recorded in February of 2023 and we talked about Wicksy's playing days at OCRFC, things we remembered about training back in those days, train trips down to Cornwall, his penchant for dancing, and we eventually end up discussing the current tackle height fiasco and who England should play in the midfield.   There's something for everyone in this fun and fulsome pod - I hope you enjoy!   LINKS Contact Alex Wicks on LinkedIn Old Colfeians RFC - OCRFC Website on Twitter @ColfeiansRugby Doddie Aid - https://doddieaid.com/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is rugby referee and former Royal Marine - Mark Scoular.   This interview was recorded in February of 2023 and we talked about Mark's early days playing for Carnoustie Rugby Club. We then got into a deep discussion about leadership, teamwork, refereeing principles and mental preparations. And we even dipped our toes in the murky waters of the tackle height debate!   There are a load of great take-away's in this episode and plenty of fun, too - hope you enjoy!   LINKS Mark Scoular's business website - https://www.protectandprepare.co.uk/ and @protectandprep1 on Twitter Mark Scoular on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-scoular-39498ba/ Farnham Rugby Club - Website on Twitter @FarnhamRugby and Instagram @farnham_rufc England Rugby Refereeing - https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/refereeing England Rugby Mentoring - https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/mentoring Doddie Aid - https://doddieaid.com/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is Cumnock RFC Rugby Development Officer, Harry Reilly.   This interview was recorded in January of 2023 and we talked about Cumnock's characterful clubhouse, their awesome new pitches and how the players feel about AGP's. We then dig deep into youth development and find out that Harry was an international in another sport!   There are a load of great take-away's in this episode and plenty of fun, too - hope you enjoy!   LINKS Harry Reilly on Twitter - @zephyrjock Cumnock RFC on Twitter - @CumnockRugby Facebook and Instagram Cumnock RFC website - https://www.cumnockrugby.com/   Doddie Aid - https://doddieaid.com/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is Bannockburn RFC Director of Rugby, Jimmy Samuel.   This interview was recorded in January of 2023 and we talked about the incredible project Bannockburn took on in creating a new pitch and installing floodlights. We then dug into Jimmy's rugby past and what drives him to build teams and environments for people to grow and enjoy the game of rugby.   There is an absolute ton of value in this episode and a load of 'feel good' moments too. Enjoy!   LINKS Jimmy Samuel on Twitter - @JimmySamueluk and LinkedIn Bannockburn RFC on Twitter - @bannockburnrfc Royal Signals on Twitter - @R_Signals Doddie Aid - https://doddieaid.com/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is Strathaven RFC Head Coach, Grant Neilson.   This interview was recorded in January of 2023 and we talked about Strathaven RFC's clubhouse renovation after flood damage and how that has galvanised the club. Then we got stuck into the incredible story of Grant's short, but utterly dramatic rugby-playing career. Lastly, we talked about moving into coaching and how Grant's playing experience influences his coaching.   I sat for most of this interview with my mouth open, not quite sure how to process what I was hearing. It's a remarkable story and I hope that the core messages help someone out there.   LINKS Grant Neilson on Instagram - @_gjcoaching Strathaven RFC on Instagram - @strathaven_rfc and Facebook Doddie Aid - https://doddieaid.com/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

Welcome to this special festive episode where I talk about a new format for The Amateur Rugby Podcast, my thoughts on the current treatment of referees, some ways to support the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and the things I'd like for Christmas!   LINKS Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast Doddie Aid - https://doddieaid.com/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is Ellingham and Ringwood RFC President, Steve Benson.   This interview was recorded in September of 2022 and we talked about Steve's playing days - which are still going on by the way - his years in refereeing, and some incredible insight into what it takes to start minis, juniors, girls, and women's rugby sides.   We chat about all the good things going on at Ellingham and Ringwood including the 15 year process of moving the club to a new ground and building a clubhouse and we discuss the absolutely wonderful 'Fancy dress 7's and Beer Festival' event that they hold every year.   LINKS Steve Benson on Twitter @2SBenson and on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-benson-8b848a54/ Doddie Aid - https://doddieaid.com/ Ellingham & Ringwood RFC - https://www.errfc.com/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is grassroots rugby hero, Mr Fill Your Boots, Sean Phelan.   This interview was recorded in August of 2022 and we talked about the roller-coaster that is being a Quins fan, Sean's early days in rugby at Kingston Rugby Club, the current situation at Racal Decca - his one team club and the challenges of not having a clubhouse.   We then chatted about Sean's amazing project called Fill Your Boots and his dreams for its future. We finished up with a discussion about how Grassroots clubs are getting on at the moment and the new league structures.   LINKS Fill Your Boots - https://www.fybrugby.com/ Racal Decca RFC - https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/racaldecca1xv Harlequins - https://www.quins.co.uk/ Kingston RFC - https://www.kingstonrfc.com/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is my former Esher Rugby teammate, Nigerian international and good friend, Jnr Harrison.   This interview was recorded in August of 2022 and we talked about Jnr's start in adult rugby with London Nigerians, the 7's & beach rugby circuits, Naked lunches (true story) and appearing in Rugby TV adverts.   We then moved on to talk about how Jnr got his first contract to play rugby, his incredible ability to stack on mass and the injuries that blighted a portion of his career.   Lastly, we talked about his time playing for the Nigerian national side, how he's trying to bring through the next generation and his transition into a rugby fan with a season ticket at Saracens.   LINKS Jnr can be contacted on Twitter & Instagram @jnrharrison. Nsa Harrison on LinkedIn Nigeria Stallions RFC on Twitter @NigeriaRugby or on Instagram @nigeriaexilesrfc 7's teams mentioned @Racing_7's @theflairbears @susiessaloon   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

Welcome to another episode of 'Stories From...' where I share anecdotes, stories, and interesting tidbits from my journey around Scotland on the 2022 edition of The Great Rugger Run.   This week there are stories from Bannockburn Rugby Club where I interrupt DoR, Jimmy Samuel from a session of digging holes with his mini-digger. We spoke about the new floodlights, the new pitch, how they got their gym, some awesome revenue-generating catering facilities, and how they've turned the revenue model of the club upside-down. They also have a connection to the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and were visited by The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby!   Then we travel to Haddington Rugby Club where I chat with the remarkable Keith Wallace - recently voted in as SRU Vice-President! Keith is an absolute force of nature and is a rugby-man through and through. Join us in the clubhouse where Keith talks me through a ton of memorabilia with some cracking stories about former players.   https://amateurrugbypodcast.com #rugbypodcast #amateurrugby   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

Welcome to another episode of 'Stories From...' where I share anecdotes, stories and interesting tidbits from my journey around Scotland on the 2022 edition of The Great Rugger Run.   This week there are stories from Kilmarnock rugby club where Rugby Development Officer, Stephen Main tells me all about the club and how they are bringing new kids to the game. We discuss some incredible memorabilia and there is even a polar bear.   Then we travel to Ayr Rugby Club where Director of Rugby, John Brown takes me on a tour of their homely clubhouse and tells me all about their plans for the future along with his thoughts about the Super Six. I also chat with Frazier Climo about the gym culture and how he likes to coach the backs.   And finally, we visit Hamilton Bulls where President, Jack Ryan takes me on a thoroughly entertaining tour of the clubhouse and my old teammate, Steve Anderson, shows me around the changing rooms and explains how they reward their players for outstanding service.   https://amateurrugbypodcast.com #rugbypodcast #amateurrugby   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

Welcome to another episode of 'Stories From...' where I share anecdotes, stories and interesting tidbits from my journey around Scotland on the 2022 edition of The Great Rugger Run.   This week there are stories from Clydebank where Alisdair Smart shows me around their incredible new clubhouse. Then we travel to Glasgow Raptors where Ryan Corbyn tells me about why he loves their inclusive rugby and how they're helping people find rugby for the first time. Finally, we head to Whitecraigs RFC where Alisdair Beaton takes me on a tour of the club and tells me about their ethos.   https://amateurrugbypodcast.com #rugbypodcast #amateurrugby   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

Welcome to another episode of 'Stories From...' where I share anecdotes, stories and interesting tidbits from my journey around Scotland on the 2022 edition of The Great Rugger Run.   This week there are stories from Oban Lorne RFC where I speak with my old Bhubesi Pride mate - Lewis McFarlane - about the story behind the shirts, famous club days, tours to Pencoed, the kayaking coach and of course the legend of Big Tommy Sutherland! I also speak with Murray Hamilton who tells me about their School of Rugby.   Then we travel to Helensburgh RFC where Secretary, Chris Bull tells me about the grounds and facilities, including a story about a visit from Princess Anne. Then Chairman, John Cashmore tells me about their outside bar and how it's increased their membership. Lastly, we take a stroll through the clubhouse and hear about their tactics for getting junior players to progress into the senior club.   Finally, we head to Loch Lomond RFC where Club President, Iain Norrie tells me all about Loch Lomond RFC, their merge with Helensburgh and how they plan to support getting more kids into rugby.   https://amateurrugbypodcast.com #rugbypodcast #amateurrugby   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is the wonderful - Jill Douglas. MBE.   This interview was recorded in my parent's dining room the day before The Great Rugger Run. It was edited later that day in Glasgow airport and was posted live in Oban that night!   Jill and I talked about THAT Ruby Tui interview, our joint history with Cheltenham RFC, our friend Mike Crisp, the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation - who of course, I'm supporting on this year's Great Rugger Run and lastly plenty of tales about the great man himself - Mr Doddie Weir.   LINKS My Name'5 Doddie Foundation - https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/ The Great Rugger Run - https://thegreatruggerrun.org/   PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page.   SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.