There’s lovely: Welsh road signs debunked for Scottish rugby fans

 

Scottish rugby fans in their thousands are getting ready to head to Cardiff for match day. But once they cross the border how will they find the Principality Stadium without understanding the Welsh language? 

Wales-based temporary insurance provider, Veygo, is issuing an A to Y (there’s no ‘Z’ In Cymraeg) guide to Welsh road signs so Scottish fans can safely navigate their way to the Capital: 

James Armstrong, CEO at Veygo said: “Thousands of rugby fans will make the long road trip from across Scotland to the Welsh capital ready for Saturday’s face-off. 

“For those driving the ship, reaching the border at the seventh hour with a backseat of weary fans and then being faced with unfamiliar road signs and markings is enough to push the most patient driver to their limits. Brushing up on your Welsh before you leave is one way to take the edge off what will undoubtedly be a long and trying journey. 

“Another way to take some stress out of the journey is to rope one of your mates in to sharing the drive. Just make sure you get some temporary cover before you switch seats. You can take out temporary driving insurance with Veygo from just one hour to help with the driving. 

“You could also keep your travelling companions entertained by testing their knowledge en route. Don’t panic – the road signs are bilingual, something many people from Scotland are familiar with.” 

Welsh road sign translations 

·       Welcome to Wales – Croeso I Gymru 

·       Please drive carefully – Gyrrwch yn ofalus  

·       Slow – Araf 

·       Stop – Stopiwch 

·       Speed cameras – Camerâu cyflymder 

·       Mile – Un filltir 

·       One way – Unffordd 

·       Give way – Ildiwch 

·       In / out – I mewn / allan 

·       No Exit – Dim ffordd allan 

·       No Entry – Dim mynediad 

·       Services – Gwasanaethau  

·       Ring Road – Ffordd gylch 

Finding your way into and around the city 

Once you’re in the city, you’ll need to know how to get around. The Welsh for ‘bus lane’ is definitely one to know as Cardiff is hot on its fines, with 20 ‘always on’ bus lane cameras across the city!

The areas where drivers are most likely to get a penalty charge notice are on Kingsway outside the Hilton Hotel, North Road City Centre and Custom House Street. So watch out for lôn fysiau signs! 

·       M4 (W) – M4 (Gn) 

·       M4 (E) – M4 (Dn) 

·       Cardiff – Caerdydd 

·       Bus lane – Lôn fysiau 

·       Town Centre – Canol Y Dref 

·       City Centre – Canol y Ddinas 

·       Castle – Castell 

Public transport  

Cardiff is a very walkable city, and the City Centre is mostly pedestrianised. Plus if you’ll be enjoying a drink with the game, you’ll be looking to take a bws/bwsiau, tacsi or tren to get around. You’ll need to keep an eye out for these signs. 

·       Central station – Gorsaf ganolog 

·       Park and Ride – Parcio a theithio 

·       Bus stop – Safle Bysiau 

·       Bus station – Gorsaf fysiau 

Getting to the stadium  

The Principality Stadium is in the heart of the city, but it is vast, and finding the right entrance can be a challenge. So brush up on your Cymraeg to avoid any added confusion.  

·       Stadium – Stadiwm  

·       Main entrance – Y brif fynedfa 

·       East Gate – Porth y Dwyrain 

·       West gate – Porth y Gorllewin 

·       Cardiff (E & S) – Caerdydd (Dn a D) 

·       Cardiff (N & W) – Caerdydd (G a Gn) 

·       Cardiff Bay – Bae Caerdydd   

 

Ivy on the Square celebrates the Six Nations Championship

This spring, The Ivy on the Square is proud to be celebrating the Six Nations Championship with an array of limited-edition cocktails. With the first games taking place in 1883, the Six Nations has spanned over three centuries, making it one of the most-loved events in the sporting calendar. 

Created by the restaurant’s talented bar team, each cocktail represents one of the six nations taking part in the championship. Delicious creations include the Scotts on the Rocks (top), (£9.75) featuring Plymouth gin, Chivas 12 year, ginger juice, lemon juice and clear honey, The Emerald Isle, (£9.75) consisting of Jameson, Lillet Rouge, Cointreau, lime juice, and a dash of whiskey barrel bitters (above).

Then there’s The G.O.A.T, (£9.50) a mix of Plymouth gin, Plymouth sloe gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup, garnished with a lavender sprig, 

Le Coqs, (£12.75) which includes, Beefeater gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped with The Ivy Champagne, 

English Rose, (£9.75) featuring Beefeater gin, Pimm’s and Elderflower cordial, topped with Fever Tree lemonade and garnished with a mint sprig, and finally the Zesty Italian, (£10.95) a tantalising mix of Malfy Aranciata gin, Barolo Chinato, Campari and a dash of whisky barrel bitters. 

Agata Lubera, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square, comments: “Now that the Six Nations has officially kicked off, we’re excited for Scotland’s patriotic fans to come together and join us in the heart of the city centre.

“We hope the latest additions to our already extensive cocktail menu will go down a treat as we honour this historical sporting event. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to enjoy the atmosphere the games bring to Edinburgh.”

The Six Nations Championship cocktails are available at The Ivy on the Square from Saturday, 5 February to Saturday, 19 March.

To book a table, visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com

Johnnie Walker Princes Street gears up for Six Nations Championship

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the eight-floor visitor attraction in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, has today unveiled its plans for the Guinness Six Nations Championship.

Kicking off this weekend, 4 February, rugby fans can treat themselves to special match day breakfasts in the stunning rooftop 1820 Bar, be in with a chance of winning the ultimate match day experience just by visiting the ground floor retail store, snap a selfie with the Guinness Six Nations Trophy, take part in exclusive tastings and more. 

Johnnie Walker is the official whisky of the Guinness Six Nations, here’s how Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating:

Guinness Six Nations Breakfast Menu (available 5-6 and 26-27 February from 9.30am-12pm in the 1820 Bar)

  • Johnnie Walker Big Breakfast:

Sausage, bacon, potato scone, black pudding, haggis, mushrooms and fried egg

  • Johnnie Walker Vegetarian Breakfast:

Vegetarian sausage, vegetarian haggis, potato scone, spinach, mushrooms and fried egg

  • Eggs Benedict with crispy onions
  • Eggs Royal with seaweed
  • Eggs Florentine with micro chives

To book a table visit: https://bit.ly/3uq0vct 

Guinness Six Nations Prize Draw (4-23 February in the ground floor retail store)

To enter, simply speak to the team in the Johnnie Walker Princes Street retail store who will guide guests through the process of entering this exclusive prize draw. Winners will be announced on 23 February on the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Instagram

Prizes include:

  • Ultimate match day experience which includes 2 x tickets to pre-event plus match. On Friday 25th February, between 10am – 12pm the winner will be invited to have breakfast in one of the hospitality boxes, before heading out into the stadium bowl at BT Murrayfield to watch the Scotland team on their final training session before the match. The winner will also receive 2 x tickets to Scotland vs France on Sat 26th February.
  • A Scotland Rugby shirt 
  • 2 x tickets to the Scotland vs France game 
  • Two tickets to Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s Whisky Makers’ Cellar tour worth £190
  • A bottle of Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s fill your own ‘Winter Blend’ worth £80

Full terms and conditions can be found at: https://bit.ly/3uuadKX 

Find Your Flavour Tastings (4-23 February)

  • Johnnie Walker Princes Street staff will guide fans through the ‘Flavour Wheel’ to help them find their perfect whisky, tasting a number of options along the way
  • Those who make a purchase on Murrayfield match days can store bottles at Johnnie Walker Princes Street free of charge and collect by the following Monday. Free engraving is also being offered for eligible bottles on Murrayfield match days

Guinness Six Nations Trophy Display (22-24 February)

The Guinness Six Nations Championship Trophy will be proudly displayed at Johnnie Walker Princes Street for three days, situated in the ground floor retail space. Fans are invited to come in, snap a selfie with the trophy, and share using #JWPrincesStreet.

Journey of Flavour tours:

Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s flagship experience, the Journey of Flavour tour, continues to wow whisky lovers and novices alike. The perfect follow up to breakfast in the stunning 1820 Bar, guests are taken on a 90 minute exploration of Johnnie Walker’s search for flavour, discovering their own perfect way to enjoy whisky during this one of a kind personalised tour.

To book the Journey of Flavour visit: https://bit.ly/3L8ZOdD

Peter Vardy Group is Official Car Partner of Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby welcomes Peter Vardy Group into the club’s Partner Family, as Scotland’s leading motor dealership become the Official Car Partner of Edinburgh Rugby. 

The four-year deal will see the Peter Vardy BMW logo feature on the upper sleeves of both the team’s home and change Macron match jerseys as the capital side compete in the newly formed United Rugby Championship and European Cup. 

Edinburgh-based Peter Vardy BMW will also provide the capital side with pool vehicles utilised by club staff and players, including the Edinburgh Rugby Community Team. 

The announcement comes on the threshold of a new era of professional rugby in the Scottish capital, with the upcoming launch of the United Rugby Championship and the long-awaited opening of the club’s new 7,800 capacity stadium – Edinburgh Rugby’s first-ever permanent home. 

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “We’re delighted to announce Peter Vardy Group as the Official Car Partner of Edinburgh Rugby. 

“It is an extremely exciting time for the club – with the completion of our new purpose-built home and the launch of the United Rugby Championship – so to have Peter Vardy Group join us on this journey is a great vote of confidence that we are moving in a bold and positive direction. 

“Having already joined Scottish Rugby’s Sponsor Family earlier this year, it has been brilliant to see, first-hand, the Group’s enthusiasm for rugby in Scotland.” 

Peter Vardy, Chief Executive, said: “Following our support of Scottish Rugby earlier this year, it seemed a natural development for us to back the game at a local level. 

“We have been hugely impressed by the commitment of Edinburgh Rugby to nourishing community involvement and the active participation of young people throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

“We recognise that this is a landmark year for the club and we are delighted to play our part in helping make it as successful as possible.” 

Leith Rugby Club crowned winners of Royal Bank RugbyForce

Annual grassroots sustainability programme provides vital funds as the nation’s clubs look ahead to the new season

Leith Rugby Club has been awarded £1,000 and a chance to meet Scotland International stars, after gaining Hero Club status in this year’s Royal Bank RugbyForce initiative.

Beating strong competition from over 130 entries, the Edinburgh club will receive its prize ahead of Royal Bank RugbyForce Weekend* on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th August.

The weekend typically see’s rugby clubs across Scotland host a range a pre-season events, such as volunteer DIY and Community Fun Days, raising awareness of the positive impact that Scotland’s grassroots clubs have within their local areas.

Royal Bank RugbyForce is a nationwide rugby programme launched by Royal Bank of Scotland in association with Scottish Rugby. Since launch, more than half a million pounds has been distributed, directly benefiting three-quarters of amateur rugby clubs in Scotland.

With the pandemic causing unprecedented financial pressures, this year’s funding will help amateur clubs across Scotland to improve facilities, attract new members and to develop sustainable futures.

In partnership with Scottish Rugby, and subject to Covid-protocol at the time, Leith Rugby club will be visited by Scotland Internationals on RugbyForce Weekend*, including players from the women’s national XV, the men and women’s sevens teams or ex-legends of the Scottish game.

To help clubs through this period where they have to adapt to new guidelines, Royal Bank has also developed a toolkit for grassroots clubs, including information and advice on how they can remain financially sustainable, helping them to safeguard their clubs and the sport for the future. 

The bank has also provided ‘Return to Rugby’ kits including social distancing solutions, directional signage and sanitation essentials as well as new bibs, balls and cones.

New for this year, grassroots heroes aged 18-35 from Scotland’s local rugby club have been encouraged to apply to become ‘Young Ambassadors’ as part of a fresh focus on the future by broadening the diversity of rugby club boardrooms.

The programme is working together with Scottish Rugby to appoint 10 Young Ambassadors onto club committees, providing them with an additional £500 grant from Royal Bank to deliver a project of their choosing.

An announcement on the winning Young Ambassadors will take place on the 19th July. Winners will be selected from all five Scottish Rugby regions and will be picked based on how their project helps their club to broaden their appeal in the local community and create positive societal change, as well as the great work they are currently delivering through their commitment to their club.

Jamie Drummond, club captain at Leith Rugby Club said: “Royal Bank RugbyForce Weekend is marked out in our calendars every season and we’re absolutely delighted to be one of this year’s winners.

“It’s been a tough eighteen months for clubs like ours up and down the country and programmes like this have proven to be more vital than ever. We can’t wait for RugbyForce Weekend and hopefully we can put on a fantastic event for our local community, bringing our club together and welcoming as many new faces as we possibly can.”

Malcolm Buchanan, Chairman, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scotland Board, said: “Leith Rugby Club thoroughly deserve their Royal Bank RugbyForce award win having delivered some vital work in their local community throughout the pandemic. 

“After a year where the resilience and spirit of the grassroots game has been tested like never before, we are proud to maintain our continued commitment to the Scottish game and we are really looking forward to helping Leith and rugby clubs across the country to get back on their feet and return to the action on the pitch.”

The Leith club is celebrating it’s centenary this year:

Season 2021/22 will mark 100 years since, in 1921, the Leith Academicals Rugby Football Club was formed through a grant from the Leith Academy F.P. Association and the start of 100 consecutive years of rugby in Leith.

From the early days as one of the top junior clubs in Scotland, through our wonderful 70 years at Hawkhill, to today and our fantastic Academy Park home, we’ve lots to remember, cherish and celebrate.

To ensure we do that in a style befitting the birthday season, we’ve a range of events and activities planned as part of our centenary programme. We’re adding more events and details of those planned as they’re confirmed, and you can follow keep up to date on Facebook and at our website: https://bit.ly/2RDOazY

We hope you’ll participate in any and the many that interest you, as we bring the Leith Rugby community together to mark what will be a memorable season, as we honour our past, and continue to build our future.

#persevere

Rugby has vital role to play boosting global health, study finds

Playing rugby union can significantly improve health and wellbeing, despite the risks associated with the game, a study suggests.

Possible benefits include a reduced risk of type-2 diabetes, some cancers, stroke, heart disease and depression, according to the paper in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Improved muscle function, bone health and balance are other potential health gains listed in the study, which coincides with the final weekend of the Six Nations Championship.

Enhanced cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic function are further possible health dividends highlighted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh.

Players of touch, tag and wheelchair rugby appear to benefit most. Evidence of positive health outcomes among those playing contact forms of rugby union such as 15-a-side and sevens is less clear.

The study concludes that further research is needed on the physical impact of contact rugby, given the high incidence of injury and concussion compared with other sports, especially at professional level.

Researchers also highlight the positive impact that rugby union – especially in wheelchair rugby and amateur settings – has on mental health and wellbeing. Further study is needed to quantify the mental health benefits of contact rugby, they said.

The team reviewed nearly 200 rugby-related studies from six continents to build a comprehensive picture of the sport’s relationship with health, and to identify gaps in research.

This review is long overdue, the team says. Despite global participation in rugby union, there has been no overarching review of the relationship between rugby union and health and well-being. Scientific analysis has, until now, focused mainly on the relationship between rugby union participation and injury.

The study, funded by the Rugby Football Union, and in collaboration with the Scottish Rugby Union, seeks to provide a more balanced perspective on the benefits and risks.

With eight million players in 120 countries, rugby union plays a vital role in helping the global population meet the World Health Organisation’s physical activity goals, the study states.

Researchers say the review can make players, and those thinking of taking up the game, more aware of potential health gains as well as the hazards.

It will also enable parents and teachers to make informed decisions about schools rugby and help policymakers better understand how they might promote rugby union as a health enhancing activity.

Lead author Dr Steffan Griffin, of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, said: “There is strong evidence to suggest that all forms of rugby union provide moderate-to-vigorous physical activity that can be linked to a wide range of health and well-being benefits.”

The study (doi:10.1136/bjsports-2020-102085) can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/3kBXvSL.

Doddie Weir to receive Helen Rollason Award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir OBE is set to be honoured with the Helen Rollason award at tonight’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019.

Continue reading Doddie Weir to receive Helen Rollason Award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year

City firm offers 100 free tickets to first Super6 rugby match

A LEAD sponsor for a club in Scotland’s new top-tier domestic rugby division is helping pack the stands by offering 100 free tickets to the inaugural game. 

Boroughmuir Bears’ shirt sponsor Commsworld is offering the tickets to the first 100 people to book tickets using the code COMMSWORLD through the Citizen Ticket platform.

The club is playing the first match of the FOSROC Super6 League season on Friday 8 November on home turf at the Meggetland Sports Complex against Stirling County, with kick off at 7:30pm.

Ricky Nicol, Chief Executive at Commsworld, said: “We’ve been proud supporters of Boroughmuir for the past four years – it’s a no brainer to celebrate the club’s progression into semi-professional standing with free tickets for their fans.

“This season is even more momentous as the club marks its 100th anniversary this year. It’s a proper well-deserved celebration, so I hope that we can help the club generate a special atmosphere.”

Commsworld announced last year it would continue to sponsor Boroughmuir for the next five years, investing in every team from the youngest through to the senior teams and providing funding for training kits and referee fees.

The Boroughmuir Bears is one of six teams selected as part of the semi-professional division which aims to bridge the gap between Pro14 sides and Scotland’s amateur clubs. The Super6 League is the first division of its kind and is set to become the new top tier of domestic rugby.

Tickets are available at https://www.citizenticket.co.uk/event/boroughmuir-bears-v-stirling-county-super-6/

Commsworld is one of Scotland’s most reputable providers of digital connectivity, offering a market disruptive service to rival legacy network providers. Founded in 1994, the firm is headquartered in Edinburgh and has bases in London, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Rugby World Cup kicks off today

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019

20 September – 2 November in Japan

The ninth Rugby World Cup gets under way in Japan today. It’s the first time the tournament will be held in Asia, but the usual countries are expected to dominate the event.

Scotland’s campaign gets underway on Sunday, and their opening fixture couldn’t come any tougher – we face the team who currently top the world rankings, Ireland.

The result of this game could well determine just how far Scotland progress in the tournament. Victory, and the likelihood of topping the group, would see Scotland enjoying an easier run to progress in the tournament – in theory at least!

Scotland’s best RWC performance was a semi-final appearance back in 1991 and we would do well to repeat that achievement – elimination at the quarter final stage would seem more realistic.

Who will win it? There is currently no one dominant force in world rugby and the tournament is more open than it’s ever been, with five or perhaps six teams capable of winning the Web Ellis Trophy.

World number one Ireland, South Africa, Wales and current holders New Zealand all have sound claims and Australia can never be written off.

And of course, there’s England …

Russia and Japan get the tournament under way this morning – and I confidently predict that neither of these nations will be lifting the trophy on 2nd November!

New Edinburgh Rugby stadium good to go

Edinburgh Rugby can confirm that The City of Edinburgh Council has now granted a Building Warrant to enable the club to begin construction on a purpose-built 7,800 capacity stadium on the back pitches of BT Murrayfield.

Edinburgh has worked closely with both Scottish Rugby and The City of Edinburgh Council over recent months on the detail of the plans. This outcome allows construction on the stadium to start in Autumn this year, with a view to it being ready for the club play in its new home from the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

Until then, the club will continue to play home fixtures on the main international pitch at BT Murrayfield for the entirety of the 2019/20 season whilst the stadium is constructed.

This is underpinned by the coming season’s Season Ticket Membership sales having already reached record levels, as supporters continue to back Richard Cockerill and his squad ahead of the new campaign in growing numbers.

 

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “While this has clearly been a difficult process and more drawn-out than we had envisaged, we are delighted to have now been granted a Building Warrant by The City of Edinburgh Council.

“This now allows us to move forward with what is clearly a pivotal and game-changing project for the club.

“I’d like to thank all those who continue to work proactively within the project as we now move into a build-phase, as well as The City of Edinburgh Council for concluding the Building Warrant process with us.

“I’d also like to thank the club’s supporters for their continued patience throughout this period and for buying Season Ticket Memberships in such numbers.

“With Season Ticket Memberships having already hit a record high ahead of the 2019/20 season, coupled with today’s hugely positive news regarding the stadium, I believe this is a really exciting time to be an Edinburgh Rugby supporter and I would urge our fans to get behind the team over the coming season as we prepare to move into our new home.”