When Andy Henderson joined GHA Rugby Club at the start of last season it was a sign of the club’s ambition to improve and to play exciting rugby. Having been capped 53 times for Scotland (scoring 8 tries in those games) and playing 9 seasons with Glasgow Warriors he brought a wealth of experience to the club. Combining in the centres with his former Warriors team-mate Hefin O’Hare, Andy was going to be the driving force behind GHA’s campaign for promotion out of the 3rd tier of Scottish Rugby.

In the end, changes to the competition structure meant that there was to be no promotion from GHA’s division. This left the club and it’s supporters disappointed and means Andy can’t wait for the new season to begin so he can take care of unfinished business.This season there is one promotion place up for grabs and Henderson believes that will help motivate the team. He said: “Last season we couldn’t get promoted, which took a bit of the shine off of the league. It was a shame that there wasn’t that kind of motivation to get up a division. This year it is going to be different.”

“This season it will be the top team that will go up. It will be a tough competition, really good teams have come down into our league.

“There will be some real battles and tough games and we know it is going to be a very difficult season. But we have a lot of great young players graduating from our junior ranks, and when they are added to the more experienced players we already have, we will have a great squad. I think our goal of gaining promotion this season is more than achievable.”

Having played in front of some huge rugby crowds Andy is aware of the importance of local support. He is excited by the prospect of some big ‘derbys’. In the same league as GHA are lots of local rivals, including Cartha QP and Whitecraigs.

“I’d love to see more people come down and supports us.” Says Andy. “We play an exciting brand of rugby, the facilities at the club are great and it is great way to support the club and the rugby community.”

GHA’s first game of the season is at home against Dalziel on Saturday 25th of August, Kick Off 3pm. GHA beat Dalziel, home and away, last year and are looking to start this season with another win.

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