Jim will try for second term as SRU president

Jun 18 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

UDDINGSTON man Jim Stevenson is hoping for a second term as president of the Scottish Rugby Union.

Jim was elected to the post of president last June by members of the union and is now bidding for a second and final year in office.

It’s been a year of ups and downs for the former Cambuslang Rugby Club president but he’s determined to have a fruitful second term in office if re-elected.

Alook through Jim’s diary for the last year reveals he has performed over 220 official duties, having travelled the length and breadth of Scotland, as well as making international trips – all in his own time as the post is voluntary.

Representing the SRU on 58 occasions, he’s attended 22 international matches, 14 external liaisons, and 20 internal liaisons.

He has liaised with clubs on 81 occasions, going to 11 district, forum and roadshow meetings, 37 club engagements, and 33 other club matches and tournaments.

For SRU liaisons, he has attended 43 board, council and Murrayfield centenary fund meetings, plus had 39 other SRU, club and stakeholder meetings.

Jim said: “I’m using the diary as the basis of my president’s report. It shows that the president’s role isn’t just ambassadorial.

“It is the only position voted for by the clubs.

“I’ve had some marvellous times over the past year. I’ve played at Murrayfield for the Golden Oldies and for the Scottish Legends against the South Africa Legends – and I believe I’m the first president to have played on the big pitch during his presidential year.

“I did a similar thing on Sunday, May 31, at Twickenham, when I played for the Penguins, who are similar to the Barbarians, against the House of Parliament and House of Lords team.

“And I nearly scored – twice – and then they tackled me five yards from the line!

“It was a tremendous day. I was up for the flight at 6.30am and back at 8.30pm, so it was a long day but absolutely marvellous!”

Jim’s one definite rival for the post of president is former Scotland and Lions legend Finlay Calder, who recently claimed the anthem Flower Of Scotland should be ditched, branding it “an embarrassing, anti-English rant”. However, former SRU committee member Jim Gracie is expected tp make the contest a three-horse race..

Jim, who’s honorary president of Cambuslang RFC, said: “There have been some real magic moments over the year – going to Stornoway, Berwick, Arran, Banff, Oban... the list is endless.

“But the reason I’m standing for a second term is that I’d like to improve on the work that’s been done this year and be able to leave a legacy for other presidents to follow.

“That way they will have a clearer understanding of the role of the president, and how their success can be measured.

“I think I’ll be measured by my diary – I don’t think more than three or four days have gone by without me doing something in my role as president.

“It’s important the clubs understand the role the president is undertaking and success can be measured against some of the things he’s managed to achieve.”

Jim was recently in Islay to take part in their annual beach rugby tournament. Early next morning, he was on a flight back to Glasgow in order to catch a connection to South Africa, where he’ll be meeting up with the British and Irish Lions touring party.

Jim said: “It’s a wonderful honour to be able to go out and support your team in an official capacity, while at the same time indulging your passion for rugby.”

Jim also thanked his employers, Glasgow City Council, where he works as operations and enforcement manager at City Parking (Glasgow) LLP, for their support, which enables him to carry out his presidential duties.

He said: “I’d like to express my thanks to Glasgow City Council, who have fully supported me in every way they can to enable me to fulfil my duties as president of the SRU, and I have to pay tribute to my colleagues at work as well for their help.

“If I’m successful at the end of the month in being elected president for a second time, they’ve said they will support me in every way they can once again.”

On June 27, the clubs will vote on who they wish to be their new president, and secondly, on several motions which have been put forward.

Jim said: “Significantly, for the first time in 136 years, this will be the first time the AGM has been held on a Saturday.

“Traditionally, it has been held at 5.30pm on a Friday, meaning it takes a real commitment to go along if you’re in Aberdeen, the Highlands, or wherever.

“The change makes it much easier for clubs to attend if they’re not having to send representatives who have been at work or wherever.

“This meeting is very important as it’s a chance for the clubs to vote on changes, to challenge things – and that’s vital as no sport should be able to sit back on its laurels.

“All sports have to be more innovative – and we’re no different in rugby.

“I care passionately about the grass roots of the game, which underpins everything in Scottish rugby, and it has to be looked after, as well as the top end of the game.

“Clubs are finding it quite tough, given the credit crunch, with fewer sponsors about, and I recognise how tough it is.

“Times will not always be so tough, but there will always be a need for tough people.”

Jim added: “It’s a marvellous thing to do. For a second term, I would have more experience in the role of president, if that’s what the clubs decide to do.”