With the Rugby World Cup kicking off in France this week, the Baltic Exchange Rugby Society is on the hunt for new players, from those who have played before to those who never been a part of a scrum, to join the club ahead of their first fixture in more than four years.

Ed Scott-Bowden, a shipbroker at Gibson Shipbrokers, is the society’s newest chair and has ambitious plans for the club as it looks to reinvent itself as a major London city team. Ed has an extensive background of both amateur and professional rugby. He played rugby for Queen’s University Belfast where he also gained his Level 3 coaching badges and became coach of the university’s ladies rugby team. He then joined Barnes RFC in West London where he played in the front row. Ed was also capped by the British Army where he served in the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards as a Captain for five years.

When asked where he hoped to take the Rugby Society in the coming months, Ed noted that he wanted to fully establish the club as a part of the City League Rugby, the largest league of corporate rugby teams in the UK’s capital.

“We want to establish the Baltic Exchange Rugby Society as a part of City League Rugby, which includes some of the biggest names in the capital such as Lloyd’s of London, Morgan Stanley, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Barclays and more. It would amazing to get the club to that level and put the Baltic Exchange back in contention as one of the best rugby club’s in the city,” he said.

“We also want to be able to take part all kinds of fixtures and tournaments over the next couple of years. From Rugby 15s to Rugby sevens to tag rugby tournaments, we want to be able to take part in all kinds of events. We’ve even discussed going on a short tour to showcase the best of the Baltic.

“Most importantly, we want the Rugby Society to have a vibrant social calendar over the next few months so we have the chance to blow off some steam, make new friends and enjoy some fantastic days of rugby together. Even if you don’t fancy playing, I’d encourage anyone to join us,” he added.

The Baltic Exchange Rugby Society has its first fixture in more than four years coming up on 29 February 2024 at the Honourable Artillery Company in London and Ed is looking for more players to join the society, both for the fixture and other social gatherings.

“We’re really excited about the fixture next year as we can showcase some amazing rugby talent and put the Baltic Exchange Rugby Society back on the map. We’ve got some new kit on the way for the fixture and we hope this will be the launching pad for the club! Even if you don’t want to play, come and show your support for the team and join us in the bar afterwards!

“Until then, we’re looking forward to welcoming more members as we look to make the Baltic Exchange one of the top rugby teams in London.”

If you’d like to be a part of the Baltic Exchange Rugby Society, please email Ed at Ed.Scott-Bowden@eagibson.co.uk or contact him on 07708296783.