New rugby magazine launches

SCOTTISH rugby union has got itself a new magazine.

SCRUM is aimed at schools and club rugby. A monthly, it is aiming for a circulation of over 10,000. It is currently available for free.

Says editor, Gary Heatly: “We are launching because we feel that the people in club rugby need a voice and we want to promote it in Scotland by covering positive stories every month in the magazine and on our website, www.scrummagazine.com.”

“We are looking for players and supporters to be pro-active and get in touch with stories and photos from their clubs.”

The magazine is being published by Bell Johnstone Communications, which is based in Leith, Edinburgh. It also publishes Scots Auto Scene and FACTS (Fleet and Commercial Transport Scotland).

For the past two years, Heatly has worked as a general reporter at the weekly newspaper, the Midlothian Advertiser. He has also covered club rugby, on a freelance basis over the last three years, for the likes of The Scotsman, The Edinburgh Evening News, and The Herald.

He adds: “Every month, we will blend comprehensive rugby coverage, topical features and exclusive interviews with tips, discussion, advice and informative articles all aimed at players, supporters, communities and families involved or interested in Scottish club, schools, youth and universities rugby.”