Meet our
People
Our Patrons & Board
Our Board of Trustees bring a wide range of experience to GREAT from careers in rugby and beyond. From former Scotland players and coaches, to a variety of occupations, our Board of Trustees are united by a shared passion for rugby and desire to see it grow across Scotland. We all just want to make a difference and see the game we love thrive.
The Board is responsible for the day-to-day operations of GREAT, holding regular meetings, and ensuring the organisation continues on the path to success.
Gregor Townsend MBE
patron
Hailing from Galashiels, Gregor Townsend MBE has been the Scotland Head Coach since 2017, after five seasons with the Glasgow Warriors. During his time as Glasgow Warriors Head Coach, he led the teams to title success in 2015 and their helped them reach the knockout rounds of the European Champions Cup for the first time.
As a player, Gregor was capped 82 times for Scotland and twice for the British Lions. Starting his career at Gala, he went on to play throughout Scotland, England, Australia, France, and South Africa. In 1999, he received an MBE for his services to rugby.
John Brown
chair of trustees
John has been involved in rugby from school days at Ayr Academy from where his passion for the game developed with his two brothers, encouraged by his rugby playing father. Sadly, his first playing stint ended early due to injury at age 20, having played for Ayr, Glasgow, Scotland B and in the National Trial. A brief comeback 4 years later saw John play for The Saltires on tour and captain the Co-optimists, together with Glasgow v Llanelli and Cardiff before a career ending injury for the final time at Goldenacre.
With a background in Finance as an accountant, Building Society Manager and latterly Senior Manager within LloydsTSB Homeloans with a focus on quality management and process improvement. Rugby took John into teaching at the suggestion of his Dentist, who identified that John’s 20 years coaching skills and developing young talent at Ayr RFC, might be put to good use in the classroom!
Rugby to John, teaches so much in terms of life values, collaboration, team working which creates friends for life in both your own team and opposition He sees the GREAT charity being able to help augment the club game who provide wonderful opportunities for all.
Stephen Duffy
Treasurer, secretary & trustee
A Chartered Accountant by profession. Stephen brings his background in industry and a life time of business experiences to GREAT. A strong, commercially aware, senior manager with well-rounded experience in manufacturing businesses. Proven leadership skills in managing, developing and motivating both teams and colleagues to achieve objectives. First-class analytical and problem-solving skills. Dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality, integrity and performance. He will need all of these as Secretary and Treasurer to keep the other Trustees in order.
Willie Allan MBE
Trustee
Born in Edinburgh and brought up in Dunfermline, Willie Allan studied at Queen Anne High School (Dunfermline) and the Scottish School of Physical Education (Glasgow).
For 32 years, he worked as a Physical Education teacher before serving as Principal Teacher of Physical Education at Buckhaven High School in Fife for 22 years.
A keen sportsman, Willie spent 13 seasons as a non-tackling stand-off with Dunfermline Rugby Club; he has also represented the North and Midlands. Willie was also responsible for the re-establishment of rugby at Buckhaven High School, founding the Buckhaven Sharks and the Sharkettes.
In addition to serving as a Trustee for GREAT, Willie also serves as a Trustee of The Shoot Charitable Trust. In 2017 Willie was appointed MBE for his services to youth rugby and charity.
Kelly bow
Trustee
Skye Rugby, founder and director. Kelly established and directed non-profit sports organisation dedicated to rugby, through community engagement and providing a youth development pathway. She designed and implemented operational frameworks, created strategic partnerships, and outreach programs to promote rugby in the Skye community. In conjunction with committee members, coordinated fundraising and secured sponsorships, driving the organisation’s sustainability and growth. No mean achievement in one of the outposts of Scotland and a real grass-roots exponent! In a previous life, Kelly was for 6 years involved in high performance rugby with Queensland Reds Development as S & C Coach.
Roger Baird
trustee
A former rugby player and Grain Merchant, Roger brings a plethora of leadership experience and strong knowledge of the game to GREAT. As a player, Roger represented Kelso RFC, Watsonians RFC, Scotland, Barbarians and Lions throughout the 1980’s.
He has over 40 years of experience as a Grain Merchant, including 25 years as a Director, valuable leadership experience that he brings to GREAT. At present he serves as Chairman of the Scottish Organic Producers Association and is involved in a Faba Bean Processing start-up.
A lifeline rugby fan, Roger is excited for the opportunity to combine his professional experience and passion for rugby through involvement with GREAT.
Iain "Berti" Berthinussen
trustee
Berti has been involved in rugby since primary school back in Galashiels, primarily in the grassroots and club game is where his passion sits.
For the last 17 years he has worked in Rugby Development; he is currently employed by Edinburgh BATs Rugby and serves at the head coach of Edinburgh Academicals FC. Most importantly, he coaches his son’s mini rugby team at Preston Lodge Pirates.
He believes that the impact GREAT can have on the grassroots game in Scotland is endless and looks forward for the opportunity to help clubs and schools reach their potential.
Rob Moffat
trustee
An avid sportsman, Rob Moffat brings a plethora of experience to GREAT. Rob spent 23 years as a Physical Education Teacher, during which time he gained a strong knowledge of the game at the youth and school level.
As a player, he represented Melrose, South, and was twice selected for Scotland B, during which he got 1 cap for Scotland against Japan in 1977.
Rob served as a Professional Rugby Coach for 16 years, during which time he coached Melrose (amateur), Borders, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Scotland 7s, Great Britain 7s, Scotland U19, and Scotland A. He currently serves as Director of Rugby at Melrose.
Rob believes that Scottish rugby holds a vast amount of untapped talent and that GREAT has the potential to contribute significantly to the wonderful work currently being done in clubs and schools.
murray hastie
board member