Baa-Baas’ donation will help injured Scots

THE Barbarians rugby charity has donated £2,000 to support injured Scottish rugby players.

Former Scotland, Baa-Baas and British and Irish Lions flanker, John Jeffrey made the presentation to Malcolm Murray, chairman of the Murrayfield Centenary Fund (MCF), in his role as a Barbarians committee member.

Jeffrey explained that the world-famous touring team, who helped to raise over £10,000 for the Bill McLaren Foundation in October with a match against the South of Scotland and recently faced Australia at Twickenham, has also become a popular rugby benefactor.

Jeffrey said: “‘I’m absolutely delighted to present this cheque for £2,000 to the Murrayfield Centenary Fund on behalf of the Barbarians Trust.

“Although the Barbarians Football Club is world renowned for its exciting brand of attacking rugby football, little is known of its charitable side.

“The charitable trust was set up seven years ago and around £40,000 is awarded annually to worthy rugby organisations. During the recent match against the South of Scotland at Hawick, the Barbarians Trust presented £10,000 to the Bill McLaren Foundation. They have annually awarded donations to the injured player funds of all home nations, as well as that of the British Lions, so it gives me great pleasure to present £2,000 to the Murrayfield Centenary Fund to supplement all the good work they do.”

Independent of the SRU, the MCF was set up in 1973, and provides assistance to injured Scottish players. It has helped a number with short or longer term injuries. As well as financial assistance, the Fund helps provide motor vehicles, wheelchairs, computers and home adaptations.

Murray added: “Serious injuries are, fortunately, relatively infrequent in rugby but, when they happen, they can have unexpected financial consequences.

“The Murrayfield Centenary Fund was set up in 1973 to provide assistance to these players and, since we started, we have been able to help out in the cases which have been brought to our attention.

“As a charity we rely on donations, so we are extremely grateful to the Barbarians for their generous contribution, which will help to ensure that we can continue to provide this financial backup to those injured players.”