Physio Marion bows out after 37 years

AFTER 37 years of holding weekly clinics, and travelling to fixtures home and away across the country, Annan Rugby physiotherapist Marion Hamilton has retired from her role at the club.

Her last game with the Black and Amber was at the start of the month when the 1st XV travelled to to Lenzie.

The 65-year-old, who was brought up in Buckinghamshire before moving to Annan as a teenager, will not be stopping work altogether, however.

She will continue to help people get over their aches and pains at Solway Physiotherapy Clinic at Barrasgate Farm, Cummertrees.

On her involvement with Annan Rugby, Marion said: “It started off when one or two players contacted me for treatment, that was in about 1988.

“Then two or three started turning up and the club said it would be better if I went to them and did a session for them. They were training at the Weyroc at the time.

“There are lots of memories: I have been to Murrayfield twice for finals, and both times we won.

“I will miss all the banter and the rugby, I really enjoy the game.”

Marion will not be a stranger on match days at Violetbank, adding: “I’m sure I will be shouting from the side, just as loud as normal!

“I’ve made a lot of good friends at the club, it’s a very inclusive and welcoming environment.”

In between her spell with the rugby club, Marion also spent a season with Queen of the South, when Ally McLeod was the manager, and she helped out with the Dumfries Hunters American Football Team.

Marion said: “(Being a physiotherapist) is great. It’s a very social profession. It’s great to be helping people in pain and seeing them get better.”

Annan Rugby president Neil Moffat thanked Marion on behalf of everyone at the club.

He said: “Marion has been a massive part of Annan Rugby Club for 37 years. Her contribution to the club has been immense.

“She has looked after generations of players over the years, giving her time, support and care whenever it was needed, travelling thousands of miles in the process.

“A club stalwart for almost four decades, she’ll be hugely missed, not just for her work as club physio, but also for her contribution in supporting the general running of the club and helping with many fundraising events. I’m sure she’ll still be a familiar face at Violetbank, but in future, with her supporter’s hat on.

“Everyone at Annan Rugby Club joins me in thanking Marion for everything she’s done and wish her all the best for her retirement.”