Oban rugby players invited to step up onto world stage

Oban Lorne Rugby Club has been selected to represent Scotland in the inaugural amateur rugby world cup being held in the south of France from September 22-30 next year.

 

A first in the history of rugby, the World Festival of Amateur Rugby, organised by the Afomora Association, will act as an opening event of the France 2023 World Cup and like the professional event will bring together 20 amateur clubs from all over the world.

 

Oban Lorne was invited to participate thanks to a French TV producer who thought the Argyll outfit fitted the criteria after filming a documentary centred around the club to coincide with the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

 

Murray Hamilton, Oban Lorne secretary, has taken a leading roll in the decision to accept the invite and is delighted with the reception it has had so far.

 

'We are incredibly excited we have received the opportunity to do this,' he told The Oban Times. 'It's a really big deal in France with all the major rugby organisations over there supporting it.

 

'When I first took it to the club, everyone was on board with it. I spoke to the management committee first and we all thought it was too big an opportunity to miss and when we took it to the players they bought in too.

 

'It's a big commitment for them as they will have to take time off their work and contribute financially but everyone agrees it is a great opportunity to put Oban on the map as a sporting community.'

 

The tournament will mirror the professional world cup with teams playing group matches spread over two days with the top two from each group qualifying for the finals. Unqualified teams will be able to participate in a new ranking tournament.

 

Group stages will be spread over four host cities in the southern region of France with the final stages being played at Digne-les-Bains.

 

Playing under their own name, Oban Lorne will represent Scotland in pool B alongside amateur club teams from Africa, Ireland, Tonga and Romania.

 

Other countries being represented are: New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, Algeria, Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, USA, England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa and Chilli.

 

With only a squad of 26 players and four staff allowed to travel for each club, Oban players will now take part in a training and selection process.

 

The teams will also participate in various community and social engagements during their time in France.

 

There is a full programme of social projects including working with a street rugby programme, school rugby and solidarity rugby for refugee communities.

 

The cost per player for the competition is a minimum of £1,000 which does not include the cost of flights.

 

The club plans to organise fundraising events over the next eight months. Sponsorship opportunities will also be available.

 

Murray added: 'This is not a 'rugby tour'. The team is preparing to represent Scotland, Oban and their families in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunitiy.

 

'Please support them in any way you can. All help is much appreciated.'

 

An Oban Lorne RFC Amateur World Cup 2023 Go Fund Me page has been set up.