Congratulations to Stevie Wright on his appointment as the Club President. Stevie has served as player, member and a key figure on the committee for a number of years. Stevie said "Its a great honour and privilege to represent the club as President in its 75th year. There's a lot of hard work continuing in the next few months with the build starting, the launch of the Cougars Academy and 75th anniversary celebrations. I look forward to playing a key part in bringing it all together".

Below is an Executive Summary of the AGM. Full minutes will be made available to members on request.

CORSTORPHINE RFC AND CORSTORPHINE RUGBY PAVILION SCIO
AGM’S 27 MAY 2025 – SUMMARY OF MEETINGS.

CORSTORPHINE RFC
• Congratulations given to the men’s and women’s squads and all the coaches on their efforts and achievements throughout the season. In particular, the Women winning the Premiership League for the first time was highlighted – a tremendous final at Union Park to secure the title. The men’s coaching team – Graham, Marc, Fraser and Ross - who are standing down after a number of years, were thanked for all their commitment to the Club. The Rugby Vice Presidents, Byram and Adrian, were thanked for their support to the coaches and players, and for developing the squads of players.

• The redevelopment of the Pavilion has just started and on completion, Corstorphine Cougars will be at the forefront of rugby offerings in Edinburgh. A huge amount of work has been done and challenges overcome to get to the start of the Pavilion development. Thanks must go to Stevie Wright and Rod Strachan who have worked tirelessly to push the project forward.

• Thanks also given to all the club volunteers, committee members, bar staff and sponsors – all their contributions ensure the Club continues to operate as efficiently as possible.

• Youth section – with the dissolution of the Wolves on 31 May, CRFC and Forrester will be operating their own sections, however they will initially continue to play together as Corstorphine/Forrester. New Youth Strategy, including marketing being worked on to grow numbers.

• Men’s Rugby – a strong start to the season was followed by a dip mid–season, then regaining momentum before finishing 4th in the League. A good cup run ended to East Kilbride away. New Head Coach, Gavin Blackburn has been appointed and will help drive our Youth proposals. We managed to field 2 XV’s most weekends which is great for the Club on and off the pitch.

• Women’s Rugby – 2024/25 the most successful season, possibly ever ! We have retained our coaches for next season and the 2 XV will remain in Midlands/East League 1. Tanya, Kyomi and Emma who are retiring, will be difficult to replace, however we have a group of good young players coming through. Thanks given to Emma, who is stepping down as Captain, for her significant contribution to the Club. Emma will continue to play next season. Our reach within Youth rugby will be expanded via proposals to work with schools and the local community to grow numbers.

• Minis – currently 62 kids and 9 coaches. Grant Johnston new fixture Secretary. The Minis successfully took part in 5 Festivals during the season. 10 kids moving up to our Youth Section.

• Sponsorship – 2024/5 stable v previous year. 2025/6 – following new sponsors, total expected to increase by £7k which will help cover drop in income/increased costs.

• Club financials - small surplus impacted by reduced SRU funding and travel costs, and uplift in Physio costs.

• Subscriptions motion to increase subs by £12 for playing and non-playing categories and by £6 for all other categories was passed.

• Election of Office Bearers – President – Stevie Wright. Vice Treasurer – tbc.
Des Trundle ratified at Treasurer and Jamie Casey as Membership Secretary.
Hon Vice President – Stewart Pilkington. Post AGM Craig Young filled Stevie Wright’s previous committee position of VP Commercial.

CORSTORPHINE RUGBY PAVILION SCIO
• Sawmill Contacts commenced this week. New 40 year lease with the Council being signed imminently. Total of £784k of funding raised to date.

• Delays due to £127k of funding being put on hold and costs almost doubling to £1.1M. Redesign and scope tightened to reduce costs. On completion we will have 4 new changing rooms for players and 2 for officials. First floor extension for gym and 2 lettable rooms. New storage space for rugby equipment.

Additional funding needed for gym equipment, additional storage, cricket wicket and security meshing. Aim to have 2 new changing rooms ready for start of season with majority of build completed by end November. New Club Manager due to start end June. Still require a further £20K in funding – support from skilled workers who can provide free of charge labour or services also needed. Patience and compromise sought during the build e.g. training/changing/playing.

• Finances – first full year of trading showed a small operating deficit of £1.2k. £84k of donations received to date with further £72K in donations and gift relief due in next financial year.

• Scott Docherty was elected as Lead Trustee of the SCIO.