The success of Scottish women's rugby has cemented an enduring West End sports partnership.
McCrea Financial Services has announced it will continue to sponsor Hillhead Jordanhill Rugby Club for the current 2017-18 season.
The new deal will see McCreas support every part of the club - including men’s and women’s teams, as well as Hillhead Jordanhill’s 'minis' programme for youngsters.
Glasgow-based McCreas has been a strong supporter of sport across the city at all levels for the last 15 years.
But the firm says there has rarely been a more exciting time to be involved in rugby in the west of Scotland.
And it is the women who are singled out by the sponsors for particular praise.
Managing director Douglas McCrea said: "Hills women’s team are without a doubt one of the top teams in Scotland.
"This comes at a time when Scotland’s Women are having their most successful season to date.”
SUCCESS
The Hillhead Jordanhill Women have enjoyed tremendous success in recent years, most recently winning the Scottish Cup earlier in 2017.
National team players Lana Skeldon and Louise McMillan have also joined the BT Rugby Academy programme in the last 12 months, reflecting the club’s commitment to developing the sport.
Jade Konkel is also a former Hills star, and was the first person to join the academy programme.
Meanwhile, the club has a strong minis section, with more than 70 children taking part every Sunday morning at Hughenden.
And for the men, Doug Hall - now a financial adviser with McCreas - played for Hillhead Jordanhill when he moved to Glasgow to study at Strathclyde University.
It was from there that he signed for Glasgow Warriors, going on to have a fantastic professional career.
McCreas are one of the Warriors’ principal sponsors, and they intend to use some of the rights and benefits of that partnership to further support Hills in the season ahead.
Douglas revealed the personal connection which drives the company’s desire to support Hillhead Jordanhill.
He said: “I went to both Hillhead Primary and Jordanhill Secondary and played rugby very badly up to S3 when my lack of ability encouraged me to play football instead.
“As our local rugby club, we are delighted to continue our long-standing connection with Hills."
He added: "The enthusiasm we see at the mini rugby with the kids is fantastic."
Hillhead Jordanhill Rugby Club president Andy Scott said: “I am delighted we are renewing our ongoing partnership with McCreas who have been a great supporter of HJRFC.
"Everyone at the club is looking forward to developing our relationship further through imaginative activity."
McCrea Financial Services, formed in 1999, also sponsors Partick Thistle and Glasgow Warriors, as well as supporting other major sports and events, including Wimbledon & US Open Wheelchair Doubles champion Gordon Reid, the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society, and the Scottish Women in Sport Awards.
