Far-travelled Angus Thomson from Montrose has harnessed his passion to help raise more than £30,000 for a trio of Scottish rugby charities.
Since moving to Australia in 1986, Angus Thomson’s fandom of Scottish rugby has only grown, as it made him feel closer to home.
And his passion sowed the seeds for a major Rugby World Cup initiative to support three of Scottish Rugby’s partner charities.
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Hearts & Balls and Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation (MIPF) all benefited as Angus mobilised Scottish fans worldwide to dig deep.
The final total for the fundraiser has been revealed at £32,650.
Bringing rugby fans together
Now the exiled Scot is setting his sights on continuing the fundraising journey this summer.
“Road to France 2023 has been an incredible journey of community, charity and rugby passion,” said Brisbane-based Angus.
He regularly makes trips back home to visit his mum and catch up with school and rugby mates.
And with a network of rugby friends everywhere from Australia to the Caribbean, where he has coached extensively, support flooded in.
“We’re thrilled to have made such a significant impact, not only in supporting vital causes but also in bringing Scottish rugby fans together.
“The events provided a supportive platform for Scottish rugby fans travelling abroad, whether seasoned tourists or first-timers.”
More than 8,000 supporters joined a Facebook group which was initially conceived as Road to Japan during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
During the France contest – won by South Africa – fans enjoyed pre-match meet-ups and marched together to host stadia.
Charities’ gratitude
Hugh Dan MacLennan, chairman of Hearts & Balls, said: “The support from Road to France 2023 is invaluable to our cause.”
The charity helps members of the rugby community who have experienced life-changing injuries.
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation fundraising director Paul Thompson added: “The generosity of Road to France 2023 has a direct impact on our mission to find a cure for MND. ”
MIPF’s chairman Ian Rankin described the funds raised as “truly remarkable”.
Angus said events in Marseille, Lille and Paris were supported by C and C Group, owners of Tennent’s lager, while BrewDog provided a bar in Nice.
The effort also benefited from kit donated by Scottish Rugby and prints by renowned Scottish rugby artist Stuart Herd, which were donated by Albi White.
Angus’ efforts to rally Scottish supporters around the cause are already underway for Road to the Americas 24.
Angus said: “It is the new name for Road to France to reflect Scotland’s summer tour to Canada, USA, Chile and Uruguay
“Canada and USA rugby unions have provided us with reserved seating on the half way line for each game with tickets only available for Scotland fans through links provided and posted on our Facebook page.”
He is also in talks with officials in Uruguay and Chile.
“Events will be organised the night before and pre-game for each match just as we did in France,” Angus added.
“And we are looking to also connect with local player charities in the hope of doing some joint fundraising for them and our three charities.”
