Wooden Spoon Vets Enjoy Burns Weekend Rugby Showcase at Biggar Rugby Club
On Saturday 17th January, the British & Irish Wooden Spoon Men and Women’s Vets headed north for their annual Burns Supper weekend, combining rugby, camaraderie and charity with fixtures against Biggar Rugby Club at Hawtree, Biggar.
After a week of freezing conditions, the weather decided to show a rare moment of kindness. Milder temperatures and recent rainfall thawed the pitch just enough to allow two entertaining matches to go ahead – and judging by the number of sore bodies afterwards, it was just firm enough to remind everyone they are no longer 21.
Biggar’s Men’s Veterans recorded a 37–7 victory over the British & Irish Wooden Spoon Vets Men, while the British & Irish Wooden Spoon Ladies claimed a well-deserved 30–12 win against Biggar’s Ladies. Despite the scorelines, both matches were played in exactly the spirit intended – hard, honest and competitive rugby, mixed with plenty of smiles, handshakes and friendly banter.
Tape, Lycra, strapping and questionable fashion choices were very much on show, but so too were strong carries, committed tackling and some surprisingly delicate hands. The action flowed end to end, proving that no matter your age, you can still play a decent game – you just might need a little longer to stand back up afterwards.
The rugby was only the warm-up act.
Following the final whistle, players returned to begin what has become the main event of the weekend – the Burns Supper. This year saw invited guests join proceedings for the first time, with the aim of showcasing Biggar RFC’s outstanding grassroots pathway and its proud history of developing local talent into Scottish internationals.
Guests included Emma Orr, Sarah Denholm, Fergus Watson and Ryan Whitefield, who between them boast over 100 international caps across various levels. Also in attendance was the legendary Donna Kennedy, former Biggar Ladies coach and a true trailblazer – the first woman in the world to reach 100 international caps, and the first Scottish internationalist, male or female, to hit that remarkable milestone.
During the evening, a number of British & Irish Wooden Spoon players received their first caps and spoons, while others were recognised for reaching their 10th cap – all presented by Donna Kennedy and former Scotland international Tim Visser, adding a touch of stardust to proceedings.
The night concluded in traditional fashion with a ceilidh. Sporting kilts, tartan sashes and varying levels of rhythm, everyone took to the dance floor – whether they knew the steps or not. It is fair to say that the players from south of the border are finally getting the hang of it… although video evidence may suggest otherwise.
Many thanks go to Biggar Rugby Club and Club President George Young for their outstanding hospitality and organisation. Once again, Biggar delivered a superb weekend that has firmly established itself as a highlight in the British & Irish Wooden Spoon calendar.
Roll on 2027 – where it promises to be Biggar and better
