September see’s Shetland rugby gearing up for the 2018/19 season, with a few games under the
men’s belt and a successful start to the ladies season, both teams have been buoyed by a successful
recruitment of new players. The club has been working hard on growing the junior numbers too.
Shetland rugby has been looking to shake off old preconceptions of rugby stereotypes and negative
connotations, the club would like rugby to be promoted as the inclusive and open sport it truly is.
We took the chance to catch up with some of the new players and find out more of what inspired
them to try rugby. First we spoke to John-Scott Cluness from the senior men’s team and Petra Varga
from the girls under 15’s.

John-Scott Cluness
Tell us a bit about yourself, and your past affiliation with sport in Shetland All
round great guy although can’t drink rum. Affiliation to Shetland sport is simple I have been a jag,
a thistle player all my days. Whilst being the senior B team gaffer for a few years, Started my career
as a goalkeeper before in more recent years becoming an all round super striker sub ( benefits of
being the manager). I am also the best male Goal Shoot in the mix netball league.
What was your preconceptions of Rugby and rugby in Shetland?
Rugby in general I like to watch the 6 nations.
Preconceptions regarding rugby in Shetland is that it was very macho, too much testosterone and
inflated egos. However over the last few years they have come away from that and it’s a much more
inclusive atmosphere around rugby in Shetland.
What made you finally give it a go?
What made me finally give it ago - having been the Best player over the last few years for our mid
summer rugby 7’s team I thought it was only right that I share my talent with the full Shetland
squad.
On a serious note though many i have a few pals that have been going for a few years along that
always tried to convince me and along with the change in atmosphere around rugby to a more
inclusive group, credit to your social media pages for getting that vibe across, I thought I would give
it a go.
How did your preconceptions of the game differ (if any) from coming along and trying?
How did the preconceptions differ after trying - well the later preconception of the change of
inclusion was solidified. All the sessions I have been to have been good sessions, you get Tired legs
but you have fun doing it. Probably if I am being honest the best training I have had rugby or football
in a long time. whilst being physically tough it is fun but most importantly very inclusive too all
abilities shapes and sizes.
Whats your thoughts about your future in the sport of Rugby?
Future of rugby from a new player looking in, you have a solid team with some great players that
could achieve great things and I think there seems to be plenty of new ones interested that given
how good the training has been don’t think it will be long until they can help the team in achieving
their objectives as long it continues as it is. I would definitely recommend anyone wanting to give it a
bash to get along to training, Fantastic for fitness.

Tell us a bit about yourself, and your past affiliation with sport in Shetland.
My name is Petra Varga and I’m from Hungary. I’ve been playing netball for a few years, I’ve been in
the Shetland team twice. I also do archery and rugby.
What was your preconceptions of Rugby and rugby in Shetland?
I don’t know I guess I didn’t really think about it. But I could think of words like brutal, aggressive,
bone breaking and injuries, not feminine.
What made you finally give it a go?
My friend got me into it and I guess, seeing how much she liked it, I wanted to try it
How did your preconceptions of the game, differ if any from coming along and trying?
I realised it’s so much fun and it’s not all about injuries or hurting each other and it really helps me
through stressful times and I just love it.
Whats your thoughts about your future in the sport of Rugby
I definitely want to keep doing it and play games with other teams from down south.”

Shetland Rugby continues to grow in all sections from the very popular pre school training all the
way through to senior men’s and ladies teams. Please check the clubs Facebook page or website,
http://www.shetlandrugbyclub.co.uk for more details. The weather may be cold but the welcome
will be warm.