We’ll have a ball for Calum

A TOURNAMENT dedicated to a promising rugby star who died when he fell from Salisbury Crags is set to be staged this week, with his team-mates promising to pay tribute to his skill and dedication.

Calum Veitch was found in Holyrood Park early on the morning of Sunday, June 12 after a night out with friends.

The 17-year-old’s team, Musselburgh RFC, will play at the inaugural Calum Veitch Memorial Tournament at Murrayfield.

The 10-a-side tournament, one of the Portobello High School pupil’s favourite variations of the game, was created to honour his memory and his involvement with rugby in Edinburgh.

The competition will host eight schools from the local area in a “cup and plate” tournament on Friday at 2.30pm on the stadium’s back pitches.

The two trophies will be presented by Calum’s parents, Robin and Joanne, to the winners inside Murrayfield Stadium at half-time during the clash between Edinburgh Rugby and Munster.

Calum’s father Robin said: “It’s great that we can remember Calum and promote schools’ rugby using the shortened game he enjoyed so much. It’s even more special that the event is being held at Murrayfield Stadium, which was the scene of one of Calum’s rugby highlights as part of the Musselburgh under-16 team that won the National Under-16 Youth Cup in 2009.

“We appreciate all the hard work that Scottish Rugby development staff Ruaridh Pye and Greg Cann have put into this tournament.

“Ruaridh coached Calum when he was chosen for the Edinburgh Schools under-17 sevens team that travelled to Marseille to compete in the Urban World Cup.”

Shortly before his death, Calum had secured a referee’s licence, following in the footsteps of his father.

The cup is sponsored by the Scottish rugby charitable trust Hearts & Balls, while the plate is sponsored by PRO12 side Edinburgh Rugby.

Mr Veitch added: “Our son was always so enthusiastic about rugby and got stuck into every opportunity that was presented to him, impressing all his teachers and coaches with that enthusiasm.

“We hope some of this character was absorbed by the boys he enjoyed coaching in the Portobello High School S1/S2 team.

“Finally, with Calum’s love for rugby, we wanted to support a charity involved with the game, so we’re very happy to have Hearts & Balls on board.”

Calum’s school and team-mate Gregor Millar, 17, added: “This will mean a lot to the team members because he was such a big part of rugby for me and all of my team-mates, and everyone that knew him as well.

“Calum was my best friend and I’d see him every day in school along with three nights a week rugby training as well.

“He made a big impact on everyone that knew him. He was a great guy and it’s such a loss to everyone, and to rugby.”

[email protected]