Ayr Rugby Club go for some Kiwi polish

Jul 18 2008

QUESTION: What is the connection between New Labour and Ayr Rugby Club. Answer: They are both very concerned about No.10.

Ayr's worries, although perhaps not hinging on the Glasgow East by-election, are just as immediate given the approach of August 30 but that could be about to change.

With the No.10 shirt having been worn by a succession of aspirants from youngster Richard McCallum through Boris Fournials to Kenny Diffenthal since the departure of James Noonan, no one has made the stand-off position his own.

Neither Fournials nor Diffenthal will appear in Ayr colours this season and McCallum is more suited to where he developed encouragingly in the latter part of last season, at centre.

So the news that Ayr have a new incumbent for the stand-off slot is promising but when one considers that the player comes with the recommendation of former Ayr lock Scott Lines, it becomes a bit more than that.

Frazier Climo is currently strutting his stuff for Taranaki side New Plymouth Old Boys and indeed was vice captain of the Taranaki U20 side last season. Earlier this year he was being put forward, particularly for his kicking skills, as a possibility for the Taranaki side but with the signing of Super 14s and New Zealand Maori Willie Ripia and the experienced Jack Cameron and Jayden Hayward ahead of him, Climo decided to head for Ayr.

New Plymouth Old Boys are currently in the semi-finals of the cup and dependant on their success or otherwise, Climo should be at Millbrae no later than early August.

Coach Kenny Murray was enthusiastic about the new signing. He said: "From what we have heard, he is a quality player and with holidays coming to an end, we are developing a very good looking back division.

“ Cammy Taylor is still playing in Australia so will come back match fit, Flo Marin and Julian Montoro will be back at the beginning of August, Johnny McClung is already back from Australia and looking in good shape.

"When you factor in AJ McFarlane, Richard McCallum, Grant Anderson, Andy Wilson and Ryan Holland from last season's squad plus the fact that we will be looking at playing Scott Forrest at centre, we should pose a real threat behind the scrum."

A threat indeed and if Climo nails down that worrying No 10 spot, then it could be that Ayr will be in better shape come the autumn than the followers of one G. Brown.