Rugby giants in St Andrews

Friday 31 July 2009

One of the best rugby teams in Europe has touched down in St Andrews for some pre-season training.

Gloucester rugby club, home to big names such as World Cup winner Mike Tindall, Scottish International Rory Lawson and All Black Legend Carlos Spencer, have been spending all week at the University of St Andrews’ training facilities.

Playing host to some of the biggest names in sport is not unusual for the University’s Department of Sport & Exercise. Regular visitors include the Scottish football and rugby squads, while FC Barcelona famously used the University’s facilities last summer.

Visiting clubs have cited the peaceful setting and fair Scottish weather, alongside premier standard playing pitches, as reasons for making St Andrews their location of choice for summer training.

The 30 strong playing squad and 15 background staff from Gloucester have combined training on the rugby pitches and in the sports centre’s gym with swimming and recovery sessions in the North sea. They have also found time to enjoy a couple of rounds of golf during their stay.

Ian Gaunt, from the Department of Sport & Exercise, said, “It’s great to have elite clubs such as Gloucester here; the squad have trained really hard and look good ahead of the new season. We wish them all the best for the rest of the year and would love to have them back next pre season.”

The squad, coached by former Scotland scrum-half Bryan Redpath, have been staying in University accommodation near to the sports centre’s facilities.  After a full week’s training in St Andrews, the team will head back south today.

ENDS

NOTE TO PICTURE EDITORS:
IMAGES OF THE TEAM TRAINING IN ST ANDREWS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE – CONTACTS BELOW.

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Gayle Cook, Senior Press Officer on 01334 467227 / 462529, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected]
Ref:  Rugby giants 310709
View the latest University press releases at www.st-andrews.ac.uk


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