For Greig Laidlaw, the memories of playing rugby with his friends in Jedburgh have never left him.
The former Scotland captain may have had a distinguished career that has taken him all over the world but the friendships he made all those years ago endure.
Laidlaw is passionate about the importance to communities of grassroots rugby and the benefits it brings to the mental health of those involved, which is why he is backing a campaign from the SRU titled ‘Everyone’s Game’ to encourage players, coaches, referees and all who volunteer to return after the pandemic.
Greig Laidlaw's memories of playing rugby with his friends in Jedburgh have never left him
In a study commissioned by the English, Welsh and Scottish rugby unions to look at the role community rugby plays in the UK, findings showed that creating ties to where people live, getting them talking to each other and forging friendships were the key benefits of being part of a local rugby club.
Eighty-six per cent of those involved said playing and being involved in their local team or club has a positive impact on their mental health.
Research also found that for 75 per cent of players, not being able to properly participate during the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental wellbeing, while over 58 per cent said what they missed most was the team chats and camaraderie. A further 38 per cent missed having rugby as an outlet for day-to-day stresses, exacerbated by the pandemic.
There has been concern that numbers may drop off in Scotland after Covid and already amateur side Hawick Harlequins — a club Laidlaw knows well — has had to pull out of the league pyramid, which kicks-off this Saturday, due to lack of numbers. More than 200 teams (men and women) will participate across the Tennent’s leagues in Scotland during the 2021/22 season.
‘Some may not bother going back, which I hope is not the case,’ said Laidlaw from his home in Japan where he plays for NTT Communications Shining Arcs. ‘I’d like to think most people will look at it the other way and the good things that rugby brings.
‘In my time at Jedforest, there was a community spirit, a togetherness of a small town, playing rugby against bigger teams from bigger communities. That sense of achievement was big for us and brought pride as a group.
‘It was great fun. Everyone has been through some tough times and people can have fun and achieve a few things along the way. Hopefully we’ll get back to that.
