Summary: Musselburgh AGM 2025

The Annual General Meeting for Musselburgh RFC took place at Stoneyhill on the 10th June.

Blair Stewart heads into the new season in his second year as President of the club, with no other changes to the board from the previous year.

Rory Watt will remain Senior Men's Captain ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Sandy Watt continuing in his role as vice captain, being joined this year by Bob Stott. Lara McLean will also continue her role as the first Women's Captain of the club, joined by Amanda Farrow and Karly Yorkston as Vice Captains.

After a moment's reflection of those we have lost since the last meeting, the President's message reflected on a tough season for the 1XV and 2XV in the Premiership and Inter City League respectively, but how proud he was of the squads and the efforts of the players throughout the year, thanking former head coach Derek O'Riordan. He also reflected on the club's healthy financial state and looking ahead to the season. The women's team was also highlighted as a massive success, and the pathway that the club has built over the past year. Youth and Mini Rugby was also noted, especially the Festival which took place in March, and our U15 who won the East League this season, thanking Development Officer Tom Foley for his work. Stewart highlighted the work as well to bring a full physio team with Ross Grady leading the team, and looked ahead to upgrading facilities within the club, including a new training section at the far end of the pitch. His speech concluded with thanking the members of the board, Neil Durham and his bar staff, and all the volunteers that have played their part at Stoneyhill.

Alistair Scott was next up to discuss the Youth and Mini rugby at the club. He looked at mini rugby and the work of Mini Conveyor Neil Hogg, who, along with the mini rugby coaches, have grown the numbers at primary school, giving more players opportunities to have a taste for and play the sport. He also thanked Charlie Reid for his work behind the scenes with fixtures and social media and nodded back to the President's comments around the Mini Festival. Moving onto Youth, Scott reflected once again on Tom Foley's work within Musselburgh Grammar School and Rosehill High School, including more opportunities for our squads, latching onto a couple of games at grounds where the senior men played, including Hawick and Selkirk, looking ahead to a potential strong squad for our Colts, which will reform after a year off. Scott rounded off his speech with a nod to our Youth players who have been selected for Regional and National honours, mainly for East Lothian and Borders U16 and U18 Pathway Teams and to Graham Jamieson for his work with the teams over the season.

Senior Director of Rugby Euan McMillan reported on the past season on Rugby Matters. He first off thanked the coaching staff for our 1XV, 2XV and Women's sections, our physios for the season and Ian Leitch for his work in maintaining the pitch, Alistair Bowman for his role as fixture secretary and Rory Watt for his role as Captain. He talked around the culture with the playing squad and their help with Team Managing roles over the year, especially Michael Maltman for working across both squads. McMillan referred to the club's link with Loretto School, and the success of players who have represented the club at Regional and National honours. Looking at the success of the Women's section, McMillan looked at the squad and the numbers who have gone onto represent the club, looking ahead to recruitment and expanding the numbers for next season. He once again thanked the players for their efforts this season, despite numerous challenges that the season poised. Looking ahead to next season, McMillan talked about the new coaching staff for our Senior Mens team, with Andrew Clark being appointed Head Coach early in the year (read more here), the new Senior Leadership Team within the players, and a driving focus on culture around the playing team.

Jill Irving's treasurer report focused on the financial state of the club, with the club in a positive and healthy state at the end of the 31st March. The club has improved in its financial position thanks to forecasting and forward planning of the season. Areas to note included decreased funding from Scottish Rugby, an improved matchday income, positive contributions from events, including Sevens, Christmas Jumpers Day and Hogmanay.

There were four alterations to the constitution, which were unanimously approved by the forum.

Memberships for the year will increase for the next season, with more details to come over the next couple of weeks.

New Honorary Presidents were inducted into the club, with three former players being recognised for their service to the club. Congratulations to Raymond Clark, Neil Smith and Derek Watson who will be included on the board in the clubhouse.

The meeting started at 7:04pm and finished at 20:20pm.