Sport and Active Health, your regular roundup of sports news from the University

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Mark Munro, Director of Sport and Active Health at the University, celebrates the start of the new year and shares a roundup of the latest news from across the world of sport and active health at the University.

Edinburgh Rugby partnership

The University has formed a new strategic partnership with Edinburgh Rugby, which will see the University working closely together on player recruitment, development, education, and coaching, and enhancing its rugby programme.

The partnership will offer Edinburgh Rugby access to the University’s world-class training facilities, equipment, and support services and will extend off the field, with expertise available on both sides to support in the areas of teaching, volunteer experiences, match day experiences, and placement and internship opportunities.

Professor Peter Mathieson said: “We’re delighted with this new relationship which connects two of Edinburgh’s most successful institutions in a meaningful strategic partnership. We’re excited to work with Edinburgh Rugby to enhance the quality of our rugby programme and build and broaden our international sporting reputation.”

Edinburgh Rugby Partnership

Cards for care homes

Over the festive season, students and staff from across the University came together to write and deliver 2,000 Christmas cards to Care Home residents around Edinburgh.

Students deliver Christmas cards to care home residents | STV

Students chatting to residents after delivering cards to a local care home

New staff-only group exercise classes

During semester two the University is trialling a new staff-only exercise class offer. The pilot includes three 30-minute lunchtime classes, Body Conditioning on Tuesdays, Stretch & De-stress on Wednesdays and Spin on Thursdays.

The classes are free for Sport & Exercise gym members or £6 for non-members (payable at reception on arrival). All sessions can be booked up to two weeks in advance, online through MyEd.

Staff Only Classes

Staff gym memberships

There are a range of flexible and affordable membership packages for University staff, starting at only £23 a month, which all include access to gyms at the Pleasance and Easter Bush, more than 100 exercise classes a week, and use of the swimming pool at St Leonard’s Land.

University of Edinburgh gym memberships 

Run for fun

Staff can join the Active Lives team for a weekly run, to meet like-minded people, stretch their legs, and build some activity into their day. Routes and distances vary each week, and each session suits the group’s ability. Social runs are taking place at Kings Buildings, Easter Bush and Central Campus.

A running group tackling a hill near Arthur’s Seat

Firbush Winter Skills Weekend

Want to take your hill walking to the next level and take on a challenging winter mountain adventure with a qualified and experienced mountain leader? Then sign up for the two-day course from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 March 2024.

Firbush specialised skills courses

University leads the way in professional golf

The University continues to excel as a global leader in elite and professional golf. Professor Dr Andrew Murray, who is a consultant for sport and exercise medicine at the University’s Sport & Exercise Clinic, FASIC, continues his sixth year as Chief Medical and Scientific Officer across global golf tours.

Dr Andrew Murray speaking at an international sport and health forum hosted by the R&A in the Middle East

 

SPAR European Cross Country Championships success

Sport Scholar and Sport Science student Megan Keith impressed once again on the European stage representing Great Britain in the U23 race. Crossing the finish line with a time of 25 minutes and 32 seconds, recording a record winning margin of one minute 23 seconds, more than double the previous best in championship history. Megan followed up her win in Brussels achieving a Euro 23 10k Road Record in Valencia.

Megan Keith Crowned U23 European Cross Country Champion

Megan Keith at the European Championships

Other notable successes

  • Five current and former members of Edinburgh University Men’s Hockey Club were selected for the Scottish Hockey Mens Training Camp.
  • A total of 11 current and former Edinburgh University Ladies Rugby Club players were selected for the new Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors Women’s teams. Head of Performance Rugby (ladies), Claire Cruikshank, was also appointed Head Coach of the Edinburgh team.
  • Students Owen Gould and Farhan Khan were selected for the Scottish Cricket World Cup squad.