Ayrshire Talent Scout & Friends Podcast

What an absolute delight and pleasure to be in the company of Ayrshire and Scottish rugby legend, Gordon Reid.Gordy gave us some of his earliest memories of his rugby playing background and an insight into his work ethic that made him a professional rugby player. We discussed 2014/15 Pro 12 season where Glasgow won the championship at the Kingspan stadium and Gordy gives us the details of the day. We also talk about Gordy's first cap against USA on the 2014 Tour and the emotion surrounding that day. The conversation moves onto his professional spells with Glasgow, London Irish, Northampton and Wasps, highlighting the differences in approach with each team. We get to find out who Gordy's toughest opponents are and the effect it can have on you playing against a certain Adam Jones.There is a great discussion around the transition out of the professional game and the effects this can have on a player and can more be done from the SRU ?We then move onto his role at Marr as both player and coach, taking scrum schools and taking the U16's. Great chat about a possible tour of a lifetime for the young lads.We managed to get time to go through a quickfire round before finally talking through the Scotland game at the weekend against Wales and what happens in the changing room at half time. 

In this episode we are joined by Ayr's Director of Rugby John Brown. We started the day at Ayr Rugby Club at 10am for a round of walking rugby. I would encourage anyone who is free on a Monday, to pop along and have a go.  Terrific fun which is finished off with a bacon roll and coffee. What's not to like !!John then takes us through his playing career and brings back some of his favourite memories with many friendships made along the way.We talk through his role as DoR at Ayr and discuss the future plans and developments for the club.Was there any rivalry between John and his brothers Davy and Alan ?We get the chance to remember a star studded game in 1979 where an international select came to Millbrae for the opening of the stand.Finally we have a review of the Premiership and National leagues follows and we talk through what the targets are for both Marr and Ayr. 

In this episode we have the pleasure to introduce Grant Ruxton, Head Coach of Garnock Rugby Club.Grant gives us his background into rugby, his playing days with Garnock, his representative days and his transition into coaching with Garnock.We talk about the current squad and their impressive performance in the league so far and look at the challenges ahead, starting with a home tie against Cumnock this weekend. We also had a chance to get through some quickfire questions.The conversation then moved onto the Autumn Tests, looking at Scotland getting some retribution for the tour to Argentina earlier in the year. Who would be a Welsh supporter ?Finally we have a look at the fixtures played in the premiership and National 1. Big wins for both Marr and Ayr. Marr do the return to Heriots this weekend and a massive game for Ayr against Kelso in what promises to be the tie of the weekend for the top of the table clash.

This episode Louise Redpath, (Sports Scientists for Marr Rugby Club), explains all things data related including GPS tracking and video analysis as well as giving an insight to what other technologies are making their way into the modern game.  Louise also explains the opportunities and challenges that lie within the amatuer game for data analysis and gives comparisons to that in the professional game. With the abundance of data that can be obtained through GPS tracking Louise explains the importance of applying context to the results, for example, pitch conditions, weather conditions, style of play etc.We then move onto discuss the weekends round of Autumn international games and look at Scotland's performance against Fiji and what would need to be done to minimise the All Black threat this saturday. Will Finn Russell start, is the centre combination the one Townsend is looking for, will Price start, has Dempsey done enough for a starting place. Louise also shares some great personal insight on Cameron Redpath.We then look across all the other games, where Ireland and France  take centre stage. The big question is, who is the best centre in the northern hemisphere. One camp suggests Fickou whilst other suggest Ringrose. And finally we look forward to what should be a fascinating match between england and New Zealand in the Women's World Cup Final. 

In this episode we discuss the big game at the weekend, Scotland v Australia. we go through the main talking points which include, not taking points when they are on offer, poor stats percentage for quick ruck ball, what is the Scottish game plan and finally a comparison between Glen Young yellow card and Brodie Retallick red card.We also have a look ahead to nexts weeks autumn internationals with some predictions on the results...can Scotland beat Fiji ?The conversation then moves onto Glasgow's great result against Benetton with a virtual second string team fielded. Sunday saw a fantastic contest at the Dam Health Stadium between Ayrshire Bulls and Watsonians. We discuss what was one of the best super 6 games of the season, fitting for the final.We finally go through the club results with an eye cast on the restructuring of the leagues at  the end of this season and the travel impact this will have for teams in the newly created 4th national division. 

In this episode we have a full house on the panel giving their thoughts on the past week's club rugby. We discuss the games from the premiership and national leagues with roving reporters giving their thoughts on the matches at Jedforest v Marr, Carrick v Kilmarnock and Garnock v Stewartry. We wish The Ayrshire Bulls the best of luck for their final against Watsonians this Sunday 30 October at the Dam Health Stadium.We then ponder the thoughts of the Scotland head coach and try and work out why a world class stand off has been omitted from the squad and why an international class stand off will play second fiddle to a converted full back at 10. The discussion then moves on to work out why an autumn test has been sanctioned outwith the international window. is it just about the £££'s ?And finally, we discuss the two famous English premiership teams Worcester and Wasps going into receivership.

This week we were joined by the Head of Youth Development at Marr, Colin Sturgeon. Colin gave us an update of how the youth set up at both the club and at Marr College was coming along. he gives an explanation of how the conference points system work and also the expansion of the girls game at Marr.We then walk through the results from the weekend across the professional and club game, picking out our key games for the week ahead.We finally have time at the end to talk about yet another re-structure of the club league set up with the introduction of a National League 4, a proposal that was presented by Orkney RFC and will begin in the 2023/24 season.

In this episode, we review the start of the league campaigns for Glasgow, Edinburgh and take a look at how the first few league games in the club competitions are fairing.We also have a look at some of the refereeing decisions of late, in particular, the controversial finish to the Aus v NZ game. We have a discussion around the various fantastic fund raising activities  activities happening and fast approaching.Finally a special mention to Jim McNiven on his recovery.

In this special episode both myself and Kevin had the pleasure of interviewing All Black legend Zinzan Brooke. Zinzan kindly gave up some of his time to join us at Tony Peters summer house, thanks Tony and also many thanks to Glenn Davis for organising.Zinzan gives us some insight to his early rugby days and life on the farm through to working full time as a plumber/gas fitter whilst playing representative rugby.We get the chance to hear first hand on that drop goal against England and both him and the scout exchange notes on their goal kicking prowess.He also tells us about the charity work he is involved with "SwimHouse" and also his thoughts on giving back to rugby.To finish, we challenged Zinzan with some quickfire questions, (Gav does a good job setting these out).

This afternoon, myself, the scout and Steven, had the honour and pleasure of discussing Marr Rugby Club's rags to riches title winning performance against Currie Rugby Club with 1st XV Captains, Fraser Grant and Conor Bickerstaff, 1st XV Forwards Coach Stephen Adair and 2nd XV Head Coach Keith Dunsmuir.The lads give us some insight into the preparation and build up for the game as well as some of the tactical alterations they made for the game based on their analysis and previous meetings with Currie. The lads give a big shout out to the support that went through to Malleny Park, in particular the mini section, where they hope to return the favour at the upcoming mini tournament.There is some reflection on the journey from languishing and on the brink of collapse in the early 2000's and elaborate on some of the key influencing figures, eg, John Sharkey, Paul Burke, Craig Redpath to name a few.And finally there was just enough time for a couple of quickfire rounds with Fraser and Keith.Thanks to Kevin Quinn for allowing us to use the clubhouse, (you may hear the log fire in the background).

In this episode we have the pleasure of having Stuart Pratt, Head coach of Kilmarnock Rugby Club, join us for a review on how the season has been going so far and a look ahead to their 5 remaining matches. The Kilmarnock v Garnock game was a great advert for rugby in Ayrshire and showed the best that a local derby has to offer. Stuart takes us through the planning and tactics they used to finally overcome, what was a powerful garnock side. We also have a look at the Six Nations games at the weekend, with Scotland getting back to winning ways in Italy with a bonus point win, whilst the Six Nations joint favourites, stumbled to win in their penultimate games. We finally had a look at some of the buzzwords being bandied about at games these days as our random topic. This could be a new feature!

In this episode we talk through round 3 of the Six Nations, trying to find the positives in what was a very disappointing result for Scotland against France. Statistically Scotland should have done a lot better and we discuss the areas where we hope improvements can be made.  We also have a look at the other two games of the weekend and try to make sense of the law that eventually left Italy with 13 players facing Ireland, which is arguably a hard enough task with 15. We gloss over the first half of the England Wales game but do discuss another concussion incident that seems to have passed by unnoticed. There are some interesting club fixtures this weekend and we cast an eye over how the ayrshire teams will fair, with the pick of these being Kilmarnock v Garnock.The slide rule is run over referee interpretations at breakdown and we finally sign off with what will happen with the scotland half backs for the next round. 

We were very fortunate to get stephen Raby, the Head Coach of Cumnock Rugby Club to join us this weekend. We were able to get the inside track on Cumnock's victory down at Wigtownshire which puts Cumnock in a very strong position for promotion to West 1. Stephen also gives us insights on what Cumnock have been doing to achieve this strong run of results this season and pinpoints some of the key games. He also casts his eye over the potential key fixtures and derby games, that will await in West 1.We then discuss the Marr v Hawick game which would settle who would get the home semi final. We also have a look over the remaining club fixtures that managed to  dodge the storm conditions at the weekend. Finally, the team discuss bus journeys, are they a health and safety issue....you decide.

In this episode we discuss Scotland's frailty in Cardiff and why it's such a problem to back up a big result. we run through the stats from the game and look at what options Scotland will have when they face France at home next week. As always, there is room for optimism.We look ahead to this weeks club games. There are top of the table clashes all through the leagues as we get to the business end of the season. Supporters can look forward to a great weekend of rugby.We finally discuss some of the issues from the weekend surrounding concussions, in particular Italy v England u20's, and the protocols around this. 

We have now entered into season 2 of the ATS Podcast and what better way to start than talk about Scotland's victory over England at Murrayfield on Saturday. The team analyse all the talking points of the game and have an eye on next Saturday's game in Cardiff.The discussion then moves on to look at the other games of the weekend with both the favourites, Ireland and France putting in excellent performances, setting up a mouthwatering clash next weekend in Paris.We then look at the club rugby through the premiership, national and regional leagues and see how the Ayrshire teams are fairing. Finally, the term "Box Office" is used frequently for players, but what does it mean and who does it apply to. The lads give their thoughts. 

In this episode, the Scout and Gav give their thoughts on Scotland's fantastic victory over a resurgent Australia. They pick out some of the key aspects that gained Scotland their victory keeping one eye on  what South Africa will bring to the party this weekend coming. The lads also give some thoughts on the other Autumn tests over last weekend, giving a special mention to Damian Penaud and his instantaneous resurrection after running into Julián Montoya, "Argentina of old".The team then go through the week 10 results of club rugby as we go through the mid way point of the season and give an assessment of the Ayrshire clubs performances. There is time for a chat on what the ATS team believe will be the next adaptation on skill set for attacking a high ball. Gav gives a run through on who is successful on this adaptation currently and Kev explains that forwards actually have this art form already. Lastly a word on post match attire, representing your club and some of the pitfalls and evolution on this important aspect of a team. 

In this week's episode we have a roving report from the Scout who ventured up to Broomfield to watch two in form sides going against each other with Cumnock entertaining Wigtownshire. There is debate around the Scotland international against Tonga and the merits of the new caps and have Scotland changed their game plans with 6 tries coming from the Scotland wingers. We then work our way through the premiership and national leagues discussing the Ayrshire club performances and a look ahead to Saturdays matches. The discussion moves onto having some thoughts around club culture and how this is developed into the club architecture. both the scout and Snips give their take on culture through their playing experiences. 

In this episode the scout makes a welcome return to discuss the the results and forecasts from Week 7 and looking ahead to Week 8. We start off with a look at the Gregor Townsend's selection for the autumn internationals and who could fare in the games ahead against Tonga, Australia, South Africa and Japan. We then review the results across the premiership and the National and Regional leagues with an eye on who are the main contenders. We discuss the big result for Ayrshire Bulls winning the super 6 competition, built on an outstanding defence. Finally Kevin then takes us through the merits of the tap penalty and his thoughts on why the pivot will make a return, whilst Steven puts a counter argument across and explains why is firmly against this option. 

In this episode, initially we discuss the merits of both Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby in the second round of the URC. We then look at the results of all the Ayrshire teams performances over the weekend.We have a look into week 6, casting an eye over the forthcoming ties, looking at what could be the best fixtures to see as well as dipping a toe into the water of predictions. The discussion moves onto Super 6 and the rise of Ayrshire Bulls to the top spot, leading onto a discussion on defence and defensive systems. Gav takes us through a relatively new option using the "tunnel ball" and how this can help break down tight defenses and if the traditional structured back line moves are potentially phasing out. 

In this episode, ATS HQ discuss the opening games of the United Rugby Championship and the performances of both Glasgow and Edinburgh. We then move onto how the Ayrshire clubs are fairing in their respective leagues with a look ahead to this weekends fixtures. There are some key games identified for supporters to enjoy. We also have a look at the Super 6 results with Ayr making a surge for the top spot as the league draws to a thrilling conclusion. As teams are still coming to terms with the new law variations, we have a closer look at the goal line drop out and the options in both attack and defence, before finally having a rant about artificial playing surfaces.

In this episode, Gav and Steven discuss how the clubs around Ayrshire have faired now that we are two weeks into the 2021/22 season. They discuss how the leagues are shaping up for the Ayrshire clubs and what would be their pick of the games for the week 3 of the season. The lads also discuss how teams are adapting to the new law variations and also give thoughts on the controversial new law variation on the red card, where players can return to the field after 20 minutes in the bin. 

ATS went on the road on Tuesday night to meet up with former Marr Rugby Club Captain Jim McGuffie and marr Rugby Club Sponsor Manager Glenn Davis. Jim and Glenn took us on the  journey Marr Rugby Club have been on for the past 50 years. We hear how the concept of the club came about and the work and effort put in to set the foundations at Fullerton. Jim tells us about the opening of Fullerton in 1971 where they played against an international select team boasting 11 British Lions who had recently defeated New Zealand. Glenn gives us an overview of what he believes are the key protagonists for success at the club and what he believes is required to sustain success. The lads discuss the changes over the years in terms of playing staff, coaching staff and infrastructure, as well as furnishing us with some of their favourite stories of Fullerton. We were also lucky with time permitting to go through the Buzzworks quickfire round and finished off with an idea of what the guests can expect at the 50th Anniversary dinner on Friday 20th August.  

In this episode Gav and Steven debate the outcome of the first test where the Lions came out victorious 17-22 against the Springboks. They discuss who played well, which combinations worked well, what could be improved upon. They also think about what changes the Lions Coaching staff may adopt and debate what the tactics may be for both teams in the second test. They finish by providing an insight into what they believe the final score will be on Saturday. C'mon the Lions !!

In this episode the ATS team and Colin Sturgeon discuss the First Test British Lions selection versus the ATS teams selection from back at the beginning of May. Gav brings a shedload of stats to back or question the coaches selections and Steven gives an insight into professional gamesmanship, providing a conspiracy theory that Dan Brown would be proud of. All in all, good fun to be back after a wee break. 

In this episode we had the pleasure of having the company of one of Scottish Rugby's top professional referees, Finlay Brown.  He gives us an overview of his introduction to rugby and his path into becoming a referee both during his studies in Newcastle and on his return to Scotland.  Finlay gives us an insight into the challenges of officiating a scrum and what his team do in preparation before a game. We discuss the controversy around the tackle laws and also the benefits that can be gained with constructive discussions with players and coaches after a game. There is a significant amount of homework that is completed by the officiating team in advance of the  weekend games and Finlay talks through his approach and and the changes he has made to continually improve his and his teams performance. Finlay also talks about his future goals and his continuing development with Scottish Rugby. We also managed to find time for a Buzzworks quickfire round of questions and finished on an email regarding the advantage laws. 

In this episode we were very lucky to have former Scottish Internationalist, Glasgow Warrior and now Head Coach of the Ayrshire Bulls, Pat MacArthur join us. Pat gives us an insight into his early years with Ayr Rugby Club and talks us through the transition from club player to professional with the Glasgow Warriors. He also talks through the day of his first international cap against Samoa and the narrow differences between the professional game and international rugby. Pat gives us an idea of the excitement being generated with the anticipation of rugby starting with the Ayrshire Bulls and the aims for the coming season with a coaching team which will be the envy of the Super 6 with Pete Horne and Rob Harley joining the team. We then go through the quickfire round before Pat gives a complete and thorough explanation of why player progress into the professional set up is best placed through the Super 6. 

In this episode we get the chance to talk to Stephen Raby, Head of Rugby at Robert Burns Academy and newly appointed Head Coach a Cumnock Rugby Club.Stephen takes us through his playing career, providing some of his highlights with Stirling County and Carrick, before talking about his toughest opponent and favourite team to play against. We then discuss his coaching career with the Scotland age grade system, then with Auchinleck Academy before moving onto his thoughts for Cumnock. We here about the facilities and playing numbers throughout all age grades at Cumnock and the integration with Robert Burns Academy. Stephen also goes through our BuzzworksLife Quickfire round before giving us his thoughts on Super 6 and the Ayrshire Bulls. We then finish off with his choice of three sports personalities, past or present he would like to invite to dinner. 

In this episode we have the pleasure of chatting with the President of Garnock Rugby Club, Trish Wallace. Trish talks us through her path into rugby and onwards onto becoming president. We hear her thoughts on the progression the club has made on the playing front and memorable matches during her tenure. We hear about the objectives that were set out and some exciting news on infrastructure developments at Lochshore. Trish gives her views on women in leading roles in rugby and thoughts on raising that profile. We get to hear about Trish's thoughts on concussion in the game and also what steps are being done to tackle mental health issues in the sport. We then go through a quickfire question session before finishing the session with some emails from our listeners.  

In this episode, ATS HQ speak to Gordon Brown, stalwart of Irvine, Kilmarnock and Carrick Rugby clubs. He talks us through his playing career, giving insights into those clubs and talks about the achievements he attained. He gives us his thoughts on playing prop and second row, who he thought could have played a higher level and toughest opponents. We then move onto his coaching career, talking about how he has used different influences to adapt his style and the success he attained specifically with Carrick. Gordon lets us know which players he would invite to dinner and gives thoughts on clubs starting up again after Covid. This takes us into the quickfire round then finishing off our time with some email questions. 

In this episode we speak to Peter Gossman, the outgoing President of Ardrossan Accies Rugby Club. Peter talks about his early rugby memories watching his uncle at West of Scotland and his journey from Aberdeen to Ardrossan when playing for the firsts. He gives us an insight into the influence of his father, ex Scotland international Brian. We then go through the challenges Covid has had on Accies and in their bid for promotion. Peter also talks about the early plans for celebrating Ardrossan Accies centenary next year and thoughts of hosting a tournament. We then move onto a quickfire round before finishing with some final questions.  

In this episode the ATS HQ team discuss the Glasgow v Edinburgh game before moving onto our interview with the Head Coach of Kilmarnock Rugby Club, Stuart Pratt. Stuart gives us an insight into his rugby playing career, favourite team to play against and toughest opponent. He then moves onto discuss his role as head coach at Kilmarnock Rugby Club, his motivations, style of play he wants, short and long term plans for the club. Stuart also mentions the club developments, thoughts on Super 6 and the British Lions selection, before we move onto his quickfire questions and a final email. 

In this episode Colin Sturgeon, Head of Youth Rugby at Marr, joins the ATS HQ team to discuss and debate the British Lions selection, picking over the bones of the squad, the shocks and what a possible Test XV might look like. 

In this episode we touch upon changes to the professional game before moving on to our interview with Stephen Allam, president of Marr Rugby. Stephen gives us a glimpse into his rugby background at Marr before we move onto his current position as President. He gives us an overview of his duties and what he wants to accomplish at Marr. We discuss how the role has evolved through the years and what the health of the club is currently. The team move onto the challenge of the pandemic and what Stephen and his business done for the most vulnerable people of Ayrshire. We also touch upon the development plans and ideas for Marr Rugby whilst the talent scout takes Stephen through a quickfire round, before finishing with some thoughts on Super Six, Scottish rugby and what to look out for in the near future at Marr.

In this episode the ATS team had the pleasure of interviewing Marr Rugby's Director of Rugby, Craig Redpath. We discuss Craig's early days growing up in the borders and talk about his playing career, moving from Full Back to Back Row, Melrose 7's, 1990 Grand Slam team and touring to New Zealand with Scotland. The discussion then moves onto Craig's coaching career at East Kilbride, Ayr and Marr and explore his coaching mindset and achievements. Gav then takes Craig through a quickfire round and we just about had time left to answer a listener email.  

In this episode we are joined by the current Marr Rugby 1st XV captain, Conor Bickerstaff. He gives us an overview of his playing career to date and shares some of his influences. He talks about his thoughts on captaincy, his recovery from serious knee injuries and gives an insight into his achievements in both the 15's and 7's codes. We discuss the challenges of maintaining skills and fitness during lockdown but also look ahead to the season ahead and what Marr will be aiming for as a club. The Talent Scout takes us through a quick fire question session before we finally take a few emails from our listeners. 

In the episode we announce our two new sponsors, then move on to interview Glen Tippett, General Manager of Ayrshire Bulls. Glen talks us through his playing career, achievements and influences. we then go on to discuss more about the Ayrshire Bulls and how the first season went along with the challenges of running a franchise and club sides in parallel. Glen also talks about the progress of players through to the Glasgow Warriors and how they intend to grow the fanbase of the Bulls. Finally we manage to get a quickfire question round in before signing off.

In this episode the team discuss the game on Friday night between Montpellier and Glasgow. We then move on to interview Colin Sturgeon, the Head of Youth Rugby at Marr. The discussion moves around his early career and influences, playing in New Zealand and with the Scotland Club team, then with  his involvement with the youth rugby at Marr.  Gavin takes the lead in a quickfire round with Colin and then we finish up responding to emails.

The team discuss Friday nights win in Paris against France. We then move onto our interview with former Scotland international Derek Stark, discussing his early career, influences and the friendships he's made at the various clubs he has played for. We then discuss his international career and the benefits of warm weather training. Finally, we had time to take an email for the team to discuss Glasgow's season. 

This week the ATS and friends discuss super saturday reviewing all three games. The team then discuss the Dragons v Warriors game on Sunday. There is a look ahead to the much anticipated France v Scotland finale on friday night and also some time for some emails. Lastly, a trivia question has been set  for a bit of fun.

In this episode, ATS Podcast 4, the ATS himself interviews Steven Grant. the team also discusses the Glasgow Warriors v Ospreys game and the Scotland v Ireland game. There is also time for our panel to review some emails from listeners. 

In this podcast we have Kevin Pattie, Gavin Anderson and Steven Grant giving their opinions on the Zebre v Glasgow game and looking ahead to the clash with the Ospreys at Scotstoun. We then discuss Glasgow's chances in the Challenge Cup tie against Montpellier and cast an eye ahead to Sundays six Nations encounter with scotland against Ireland. The team then field some emails from our listeners.

Discussion on Leinster v Glasgow game and a look ahead to Zebre v Glasgow game. Interview with Gavin Anderson by the Ayrshire talent Scout followed by responses to email questions.

Interview with the Ayrshire Talent Scout himself, Kevin Pattie. Discussions on the France Scotland game which was postponed and Glasgow Warriors away to Leinster. Quickfire question round where Kev shares some of his prime rugby choices, followed by some email questions diving into some more of Kev's playing career.