Senior section
First XV
The 1st XV are playing in the Arnold Clark National League Division 2 (Men’s) as well as the National League Cup (Men’s). The team has had a very strong start to the season, winning eight of their first nine games. They are currently top of the league, one point clear of Stewart’s Melville RFC, who have played ten games. In the National League Cup, the team has won both their games so far and progressed to the quarter finals in March.
Second XV
The 2nd XV are playing in the Arnold Clark Caledonia North Region League Division 2 (Men’s). In another strong start to the season the team has also won eight of their first nine games played. They are current top of the league; 13 points clear of Garioch RFC.
We are very excited about what the remainder of the season could bring for the senior section. Everyone will be doing their best to achieve the best outcome possible and we are very much looking forward to our patrons being part of the journey. Below is a snapshot of the remaining fixtures (as we currently stand).
Junior section
InspireSport Boys U13 & U14 Combined Caledonia (North)
In a new development for the Club, an Under13/14 boys’ team started this season. The new team has been led by Tom Williams and supported by Bob Fraser, Rory Riddle, Harry Stevens, Rory McKay, Craig McEwan and Alex Fraser. The boys meet at Countesswells on a Wednesday evening and play games on a Sunday morning. There were six scheduled games for the season, which ran to Christmas: three home games and three away games. The boys have won the four games they have played so far: against Huntly RFC, Banff RFC, Shetland RFC and Aberdeenshire RFC. The away game against Lochaber was cancelled and the postponed game against Fraserburgh will be rescheduled.
For the next half of the season the boys will be competing in the Culblean Challenge. This new team has been setup and is run in close collaberation with Robert Gordons College. We thank them for their support and hope it is the starting point for future growth.
The Pelicans section welcomes each Sunday from 10-11.30am (age grouping dependent) children from Pre-school to P7. The Pelicans rugby season has kicked off with enthusiasm and energy, drawing in a group of young players who are eager to learn and develop their rugby skills. This season, we aim to focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
During the season we have hosted Grammar and Moray – who reached out to us and made the long trip down from Elgin on a Sunday morning! Loads of children having great fun - a grand success both for us and the visiting teams. We look to continue to have these joint sessions with other mini sections and try to encourage all children to join and stick with rugby…the greatest sport!
The Pelicans mini rugby season is off to a strong start, fostering a love for the game and building lasting friendships among players. We look forward to a season for the minis and the youth filled with growth, fun, and memorable experiences.
The Pelicans has gained a new main sponsor – Altrad Services Ltd which covers the whole Junior section from minis to the newly formed Youth section – we are so grateful for their sponsorship!
Family Touch continues on a Sunday morning 10.00 to 11.00 on the Astro (water based) @ Countesswells. On Thursday evenings 19.00 to 20.00 Community touch is also open for all on the Astro (sand based) @ Countesswells.
Gordonian RFC at International Level
In July we were delighted to see ex-Gogo Gregor Brown receive his first full international cap as Scotland took on Canada in their summer tour. Gregor is the first Gogo in recent history to represent Scotland on the full international stage and he impressed during the 73 – 12 victory. (Since posting Gregor has now been called into the 6 Nations squad)
General
Our Patrons regular newsletter allows our kind and generous FPs and such to keep abreast of the club's activities and have a stronger insight to the players, no matter where they are situated, be it in the bleachers on a Saturday or further afield on posting(s) abroad. A big shout out to our supporters who are cheering us on from afar and this season we have had record numbers in the stands enjoying “champagne” rugby….well most of the time!
There have been several initiatives at club level. Some examples of these include:
• Spearheaded by Alan Mclean, Matt Brechin and Bevis Reid we have finalised a development plan alongside the SRU to grow the club.
• As part of the development plan, the administration of Club membership is being updated. There will be a number of membership categories, including player, social and patron memberships, with associated membership fees. More information will be available soon.
• An updated Club constitution has also been finalised.
• Thanks to the hard work of Andrew O’Neill a new Club website has been launched at https://gordonianrugby.com The development plan and constitution can be found on the website.
• A shirt number sponsorship scheme was introduced, which not only allows you to support the club financially but also ensures your name will be displayed every week across all over our social media channels and website. The 1st XV are all
sponsored but some numbers in the 2nd XV are still available. Email socials@gordonianrugby.com
The first Patrons’ lunch was well attended in September and a pre-game lunch was held in October before the Cup game against Grammar RFC. The next Patrons’ lunch will be on 25th January 2025.
The club is in an extremely good place with high numbers at both Junior and Senior levels with plans afoot for growth with a strong committee all striving to improve the club. This is testament to the work that goes on behind the scenes within both sections of the club and we are building something sustainable and exciting.
We are very grateful to all our generous sponsors – Alexander Murray and Company (principal Senior sponsor) and Altrad Services (principal Junior sponsor) with associate sponsorship from Dundas Consultants (Seniors), Aberdeen Orthopedics and GSS Developments (both Juniors).
As always, a heartfelt thank you to RGC, in particular Donny and his groundsmen team for the best facilities the region can offer.
Finally, if you have any suggestions for the newsletter, social events, fundraising opportunities, volunteering opportunities, or anything relating to Gordonian RFC, please let us know.
Dates for your diary
Saturday 25th January – Patrons’ Lunch, Aberdeen Cricket Club
Friday 23rd May – Gordonian RFC Dinner, Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen
