Huntly Rugby Club appoint former player and World Rugby coach educator Connor McWilliam as their new rugby development officer
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HUNTLY Rugby Club’s new rugby development officer is setting himself a goal of raising his sport’s profile throughout the community.
Elgin-based Connor McWilliam (25) has returned to the club he played for during his career and says he is relishing the opportunity to help bring some progress.
McWilliam comes from Huntly, where he attended Gordon Primary and the Gordon Schools before attending Robert Gordon's University in Aberdeen, and he played rugby from a very young age.
As well as wearing the colours of his home team he represented Moray, Ellon and Gordonians on the field.
He recalled when Huntly’s team mixed it with some of the country’s strongest and says he is eager to get more people from this area involved in rugby.
“When I was in primary and secondary school, rugby in Huntly was a normal occurrence, whether it be the micros with tournaments, or our school rugby teams making the finals,” he said.
“Admittedly, I think a big influence of rugby in the area back then was from my PE teacher Graeme Allardice and Ian Mcritchie, considering how involved they were with the school, and it was brilliant. So many age groups got to great opportunities whilst playing.
“Huntly senior team was competing with the likes of Kelso around 10-15 years ago. Then, unfortunately, they disbanded.
“I want rugby to be the most popular sport in Huntly, and to start growing the game efficiently in this area. Put this area on the map for rugby.”
McWilliam has been involved in the Scottish Rugby set-up, progressing through the coaching ranks to become a coach educator for World Rugby, regularly working as a community coach.
