A SPECIAL moment for a special woman saw Langholm’s Ally Ratcliffe formally inducted into the Scottish Rugby Union Hall of Fame.
It took place at Murrayfield at Scotland’s Autumn Nations match against South Africa.
Ally made the cut as a result of her pioneering and ground-breaking contributions to rugby and wider society.
She has won six caps for Scotland Women, which all started after playing mini-rugby in Langholm and later became the first female head coach of a men’s first XV in Scotland in 2013 and then director of rugby.
As a teacher at Hawick High School, she continues to provide rugby guidance to young women.
She said it felt unreal to have been at Murrayfield to be inducted and receive her award.
“It was a brilliant day I was welcomed as a guest of the SRU,” she said.
“I’m hugely proud of being recognised as a pioneer of the game.
”To be inducted alongside Tom Smith was just incredible and the chance receive my award off John Jeffrey and then speak on stage to the people present was a huge opportunity to thank everyone who supported me throughout my rugby journey.”
She added the day and the memories it has created for herself and her family would be ‘cherished forever’.
“I hope I have paved the way for more female coaches in the game,” she said.
“I hope by being recognised it supports others to take the same path to coach to achieve and to enjoy.”
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