?Former GHA captain Niall Cassie has announced his retirement from rugby due to injury after representing the club at senior level for 10 years and winning 138 caps for the 1st XV. Niall’s early appearances for the club came on the wing when he frequently competed for a starting spot with another club centurion Andrew Rushforth. During the 2006/07 season he made the move to what would be his first choice position of centre where he formed a formidable partnership with former Scotland International Alan Bulloch.
In 2008, Niall was appointed GHA captain at only 22 and went on to lead the side for 3 seasons, firmly establishing himself as one of the finest centres in the Scottish club game. Although a number of injuries were to prevent Niall from adding significantly to his first team appearances in more recent seasons, he formed another formidable midfield partnership with current club captain and former Scotland International Andrew Henderson that helped bring GHA to the verge of promotion back to the Premiership in what was to be his final season.
Among Niall’s many career highlights was a Man of the Match performance in a big 38-18 win over Hawick at Braidholm in December 2007, one of the greatest wins in GHA history. In October 2010 he famously scored 4 tries in a victory over Peebles at Braidholm and he was a member of the GHA 7s squad that overcame the professional sides to secure victory at the Glasgow City 7s in 2012.
Everyone at the club wishes him well for the future and thanks him for his service and the many great memories down the years.
