Friday 17th of June 2022 was another landmark day for Marr Rugby as it partnered with the world-famous Bill McLaren Foundation to deliver a renowned “Voice of Rugby” Long Lunch.

After several months of planning, over 250 people enjoyed a fabulous and memorable afternoon in Troon Concert Hall. Some were old friends or members of Marr Rugby, but for many it was their first experience of the effort the club makes to create a high-quality environment where they can relax and enjoy the friendship and companionship that rugby offers, while in this case learning about the Foundation that was set-up in Bill McLaren’s name and Marr Rugby’s work.

The MC for the day was Gavin Hastings and main speaker, All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke – both world class rugby players and on the day, world class entertainers who helped set the tone for a magical Long Lunch. Over the afternoon’s proceedings, there were interviews with Marr coaches Craig Redpath and Kenny Diffenthal and players, Jack Scott and Jamie Shedden. The whole audience were kept captivated and learned much more about Marr, its journey and ambitions.

Staging the event took a great deal of time, effort and expense. Thanks go to the many involved in planning and on the day helping out. This included Marr Rugby’s hard core of volunteers and on the day, assistance from some of the latest young team, with Rory Inglis, Dan Lawton and Sean Kelly, providing essential support to the Bill McLaren Foundation team.

We are very grateful to our event sponsors who ensured we got off to a flying start. CCL Logistics and Technology is Marr Rugby’s principal sponsor and once again Callum Bastock took the lead in supporting the club and the Foundation. He was joined by some of the club’s other major sponsors, namely Dougie Mabon at DM Homeshield, Craig Morton at MOR Construction and Stephen Allam at TR Bonnymans.

The event was made possible with the help of South Ayrshire Council staff at the Town Hall and they assisted in showcasing the Concert Hall as a perfect venue for the lunch.

Jonny Morton at the Harbour Bar kindly donated use of his portable bar equipment that ensured draught beers and lager were on tap and Tennent’s also added their support. Sandy Stirton led the bar team who all did an outstanding job on the day to keep the refreshments flowing.

Excellent food was provided by Michael O’Neil from The Ghillie Dhu and his team, with many rave reviews from guests for the delicious catering. Michael also generously donated a main auction prize of a private Gourmet Dinner party for ten people, raising substantial funds.

We are so grateful to the number of sponsors, advertisers and supporters who kindly donated auction and free draw prizes or provided other support, and we very much thank them for the help they provide in supporting our club and the Foundation.

In no particular order we and teh Bill McLaren Foundation thank Jamie Anderson, our piper; William McLean Kerr our artist; McLennan Adam Davis; Stuart Watt and the South Beach Hotel; Graham &Sibbald; John Miller; Low Mac; Craig Armour; Anthony G. Peters; our auctioneer, Olly Shearman; Gregor Inglis and Whyte & Mackay Royal Troon Golf Club; Karl Kuhler and the Piersland House Hotel, and Kenny Blair and Buzzworks and The Fox, Ocean Sailing Scotland[/url; [url=https://www.craigcampbellart.com/]Craig Campbell Art; Johnstons of Elgin; Hamilton & Inches and Scottish Rugby.

As well as donating auction prizes, our new kit supplier VSN Sport pulled out all the stops to provide us with an advance delivery of eight of the new Marr Rugby 1st XV playing tops, which were duly signed by our guest speaker for a truly unique and special auction prize.

We have one Zinzan Brooke signed Marr Rugby 1st XV top left available. If you are interested in acquiring this unique possession please contact us HERE.

We thank the Table Hosts of Marr Rugby supporters who bought tables and places for the event. Also, a special mention and thanks to those individuals and companies who had their first experience of Marr Rugby and what we can offer.

Particular thanks go to those who were successful bidders in our auctions. Your generosity is very much appreciated and we hope that you enjoy your prizes.

We are hoping that everyone at the event got a good feel for what the club is all about and how we are delivering happiness and success. We hope those who were first timers will wish to return to further enjoy rugby life with Marr.

It’s our aspirations that this marks the start of a long and mutually fruitful relationship with the Bill McLaren Foundation. We share a common purpose with the Foundation in providing opportunities for young people to grow and flourish while involved in rugby. The Foundation has developed great expertise in delivering these events and it was a pleasure to be able to work alongside Linda and Alan Lawson, John Thorburn and Emma Campbell to deliver this great event. We thank them for this opportunity and their work.

Marr Rugby was showcased at a new level - the future remains bright!

If you have any questions about Marr Rugby and its work or want to join or otherwise support you can contact us HERE.

If you have any questions about the Bill McLaren Foundation you can contact them HERE