GHA is situated in the leafy south Glasgow suburb of Giffnock.
The club was established by the 2002 merger between Glasgow Southern RFC and Hutchesons' - Aloysians RFC. The former club was originally known as Clarkston but was renamed in 1995 with the ambition of creating the premier side on the South Side of Glasgow. The latter club was also formed as the result of an earlier merger between the former pupils (FPs) clubs of Hutchesons' Grammar School and St. Aloysius' College. The merged club is now firmly established as the premier club on the South Side of Glasgow.
The club plays its home matches at Braidholm, the historic home of Clarkston RFC. The amalgamation has been a great success with GHA having spent 3 years in Premier One (03/04, 04/05, 07/08) - Scottish rugby's top domestic league. The club are currently playing in Premier Two.
The Club
Introduction
Maximising Sporting Potential at Braidholm
A letter from local MSP Ken Macintosh
I realised at a relatively early age that I probably did not have the build to be a great rugby player. I was thirteen to be precise and my hopes were crushed along with my lungs at the bottom of a loose scrum.
The incident may have dampened my career hopes, but the excitement of the game already had me in its grip both as a player and a spectator (and as a winger I often felt more like a spectator than a player). I do not think anyone who has everdone so can ever forget the thrill of taking a pass on the run and breaking through the opposition defence to score a try. Even earlier in my childhood the All Blacks came to train at my Primary School and I still vividly remember watching Joe Karam practising his kicking from the half-way line. Nothing special about that now you may think, but we were still playing with the old leather ball that when wet became so heavy it could break your foot.
And now, my nine-year-old plays the occasional game with GHA with the same excitement, the same pride at stud marks and bruises he's picked up, and the same enjoyment in the physicality of the game.
The professional game has moved on so much that I have nothing but admiration not just for the skill, but for the technique and the levels of fitness of today's top players. But my admiration for clubs like GHA is not limited to the first team. It is strength and committment of the club at all levels that is so impressive. Like many local parents, I am aware of the fantastic work being done to encourage and bring on youngsters throughout East Renfreshire and beyond. I am also aware that at the Veterans end of the age spectrum i have at least ten years on some players! We need to maintain interest and enthusiasm amongst all ages for rugby. GHA does just that. Well done and here's to a good season.
The incident may have dampened my career hopes, but the excitement of the game already had me in its grip both as a player and a spectator (and as a winger I often felt more like a spectator than a player). I do not think anyone who has everdone so can ever forget the thrill of taking a pass on the run and breaking through the opposition defence to score a try. Even earlier in my childhood the All Blacks came to train at my Primary School and I still vividly remember watching Joe Karam practising his kicking from the half-way line. Nothing special about that now you may think, but we were still playing with the old leather ball that when wet became so heavy it could break your foot.
And now, my nine-year-old plays the occasional game with GHA with the same excitement, the same pride at stud marks and bruises he's picked up, and the same enjoyment in the physicality of the game.
The professional game has moved on so much that I have nothing but admiration not just for the skill, but for the technique and the levels of fitness of today's top players. But my admiration for clubs like GHA is not limited to the first team. It is strength and committment of the club at all levels that is so impressive. Like many local parents, I am aware of the fantastic work being done to encourage and bring on youngsters throughout East Renfreshire and beyond. I am also aware that at the Veterans end of the age spectrum i have at least ten years on some players! We need to maintain interest and enthusiasm amongst all ages for rugby. GHA does just that. Well done and here's to a good season.