Ken Ross was the first Boroughmuir player to be selected for Scotland, winning 11 caps between 1961 and 1963. Ken’s Boroughmuir career ran from 1954 to 1965 and he won the Melrose Sevens in 1963 and captained the club in his last season.
Ken is one of the standout players in Boroughmuir’s history, but he also stayed in touch with the club after his playing days ended. Ken was impressed by the growth and development of the Academy. Ken also saw huge benefits to players in spending time in other countries, learning from international experiences and on his passing the Ken Ross Player Development Fund was set up to deliver this, and the first recipient in John Hulme.
Tiffany, Gav & Trish (Ken’s children) said: Ken would’ve been delighted with the Fund’s first recipient. Firstly, as an ambitious & obviously very talented player John’s a great choice. And secondly, Brisbane is an auspicious destination…in Dec ‘57 after 2 years of senior rugby Ken was selected for Combined Cities (Edinburgh & Glasgow) against the touring Australians at Old Anniesland winning himself a place in international trials. He reflected in later years how supportive Boroughmuir RFC were as his rugby developed – older players looking after him on the pitch & the club ethos instilling the determination to progress in the game.
We’re so pleased that his Fund helps to continue the tradition & wish John all the very best in Brisbane. I caught up with John as he jetted off to play for the GPS Old Boys club in Brisbane.
Andy – As we speak, it’s a freezing January evening. What drew you to the idea of going to the heat and sun of Brisbane for six months to play rugby?
John – I got to play in an under 16 final and lost at Murrayfield and again as an under 18 and won. I have learnt so much about teamwork, tenacity and resilience at Boroughmuir that has improved my life both in and outside of sport. The Ken Ross Player Development Fund is another amazing part about Boroughmuir. Getting the chance to learn and develop in the heat of Brisbane is an awesome opportunity that I’m so glad to be able to take.
Andy – That’s a much better answer than my last question, but I have lost feeling in my fingers. For those who don’t know you, what have you been doing recently?
John – I’ve just finished school, and I’ve been working as a pharmacy dispenser. I’m taking a year out before applying to university, and this opportunity from the club is a great one. The fund’s support has made this financially viable, and the links Alex Toolis has to the club in Brisbane have made a nice idea into real life.
Andy – Let me just unfreeze my pen as I take some of this down. What have your rugby preparations been for this?
John – I have worked with Alex Toolis to develop a personal development plan, and I will be updating Alex and all at Boroughmuir with how my year develops. I’ve also done some research and the good news is that GPS old boys also wear green and blue, so it’ll be easy for Boroughmuir supporters to get behind!
Andy – What can we expect to hear from you when you’re away?
John – I’m going to keep in regular contact with Alex to update on my development, and will link in with the club to share pictures of me on the beach, I mean, pictures of me training and playing really hard. I’ve also got a short trip lined up to Fiji, where I plan to learn how to play 7s like a Fijian- as a forward, this will definitely be a learning experience for me!
Andy – Aye, no need to rub it in! But honestly that all sounds awesome, and we all wish you well and look forward to hearing about your development as a player as you gain new skills in an international context. Anyone involved in the club between the ages of 18 and 23 should definitely bear this opportunity in mind, as the Ken Ross Player Development Fund is designed for more than one year and we will be coming out again for applications later this year.
The photo shows John standing in front of the Ken Ross Banner at the Boroughmuir Clubhouse before his departure to Brisbane
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