Currie kick off with Cala cash

Scottish champions Currie went into the new Premiership rugby season today at Melrose boosted by a new two-year sponsorship deal.

The backing, from CALA, will cover all the Currie senior side's kit costs in the initial year.

In year two, the emphasis will switch to organising training courses for 50 volunteer youth coaches as well as updating equipment used by 300 playing members.

Club president John Muir said: "This will enable Currie to replace training equipment for all sections, helping to maintain our position at the forefront of Scottish rugby."

According to star hooker Alun Walker, all the indications are that Currie will refuse to give up their crown easily in looking to make the first successful title defence since Glasgow Hawks in 2006.

Speaking at the annual launch of the club Premiership, which this year will see teams play once in the top two divisions before splitting into three groups of eight, Scotland Under-20 cap Walker said: "The changes are really positive and I particularly welcome the introduction of professional players for the second half of the season.

"That will mean a greater intensity of competition and opportunities for the younger lads to learn more quickly."

Walker has stepped up to become attached to Edinburgh as an elite development player although a shoulder injury, which required surgery following this summer's Under-20 World Cup, will delay his involvement.

"I came by the injury in a league match against West but was able to play through any pain. At the World Cup my shoulder dislocated but I was still able to play in the final match because I knew I was to undergone surgery.

"It was frustrating having six weeks off training and now I'm back doing leg exercises only. But I should be fit by the end of this year and hopefully involved in a successful Currie team.

"Our winger, Willie Moala, has had to stay back in New Zealand due to visa problems but there is a good blend of youth and experience with Andy Adam captaining the club for a sixth time.

"One player to watch for is prop Ally Hamilton who is not only a great scrummager but unbelievably good around the pitch for a big lad."

Announcing the sponsorship Derek Lawson, strategic land director, CALA Homes (East), said: "Currie were named SRU Club of the Year last season and are pillars of the local community. CALA has been committed to the area for nearly 20 years, maintaining successful developments in Balerno and beyond. We are proud to help Currie RFC continue its incredible success story and look forward to supporting the 1st XV, youth teams and training staff."