It is three years on Valentines Day since “we”, namely Alan Bell (who has played for four of the six East Lothian clubs) and is a receiver of stem cells, Gareth Glynn (Ross High RFC and son of the late Scott) a donor of stem cells, and Keith Wallace (Haddington RFC) set up ‘Bloody Rugby’.

As three local front-rowers we are: “Scrumming down against blood cancer”.

Our purpose:

“To raise awareness of blood cancer in the rugby community and harness rugby’s camaraderie to increase the donation of stem cells and blood.”
Season One was a great success with 20 Clubs Registering (mainly East Region), 179 individuals acting as donors, 133 signing up on the stem cell register, just over a keg of blood donated and 20 platelet donors, culminating in Haddington RFC winning “The Premiership” with Ross High and Liberton in close pursuit.

We have struggled a bit since due to a combination of health and work issues. Alan’s treatment has been successful, but reactions to it have seen him only recently emerge from what has been effectively three years of self-isolation, Gareth has had some health challenges, and Keith has been slightly tied up by his new role [as Vice-President] at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

However, with these issues behind us, we are now looking for a big push to the end of season three.

Currently Dundee Rugby are leading the “Premiership Table 2023-24 – Bloody Rugby” with Penicuik RFC in second.

If you want to become a lifesaver then register or donate here: https://bloodyrugby.co.uk/become-a-life-savour/

If your club have not signed up yet, all you need to do is find an ambassador who will be the single point of contact for your club and sign up HERE. We will then follow up, ande will also be contacting all existing ambassadors to get them fired up again.

Remember it is your blood (and blood products) we are after not your money!

The season will end at the end of April, so plenty of time for a late run.

Looking forward to you becoming lifesavers and helping your club try to knock Dundee Rugby off the top of the Premiership.

Yours in Rugby,

The Bloody Rugby Front Row