Members of Banff Rugby Football Club have been raising funds to acknowledge the 50th birthday celebration of former Scottish rugby union player Doddie Weir OBE.

Weir, who made 61 international appearances for the Scotland national team, celebrated the milestone birthday on 4 July, as he continues his fight against motor neuron disease (MND).

Banff RFC had scheduled an It’s a Knock Out event for 4 July to coincide with the superstar’s birthday to raise funds for his MND research charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Sadly, the event had to be cancelled due to the current Covid-19 restrictions.

Regardless however, team members and associates have successfully raised and donated £500 towards the charity. The funds were raised through a number of efforts, including the balance of sponsorship pledged for a former Club Captain and President's cycle around Ireland, as well as various raffles, auctions, and collections in the Club House after matches earlier in the season. This is in addition to the previous donation of £6,000 to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which was raised from the Banff RFC’s 40th Anniversary Dinner.

Banff RFC representative, Bob Philips, commented, “The club’s efforts to raise funds are in acknowledgement of Doddie, a fantastic ambassador for rugby and a genuinely nice guy. We send him our best wishes for his 50th birthday and every success for his ongoing fundraising efforts towards motor neuron disease research.”

For those who are still wanting to donate for Doddie's birthday, a link to the just giving page is here

Throughout the Covid-19 enforced closure, Banff RFC has been fortunate to receive support from the Scottish Rugby Union. Players from all sections of the club have been undertaking online coaching and fitness sessions led by the Development Officer, with many schools in Banff and Turriff using the sessions as scheduled physical activity time during the lockdown period. Members from across the club’s sections are raring to get back onto the pitch, however the summer holiday camps hosted annually by the club are looking doubtful as social distancing continues.

Looking to the season ahead, the Seniors will continue in the Caledonia North Division 2 league, a very competitive league, which is hoped will be able to commence in autumn. The Ladies hope to increase team numbers when training resumes and gain some more game time. The Youth and Junior sections are also keen to recruit more school aged players from P1-S6.

There is also a proposal to resurrect the senior Beerbarians team, and to enter into the European Golden Oldies Tournament, based around Aberdeen, later this year or in spring 2021. The club has a host of not so young, but very fit gents who are keen to get their boots polished again. A manager and captain for the Beerbarians team have still to be appointed.

Anyone interested in joining any of the club’s sections should contact Club Secretary, Alex Harris, alex_harris1980@hotmail.com