East Kilbride Rugby Club stalwart hits 300 games and 'eyes coaching role', says boss

dailyrecord.co.uk:

East Kilbride Rugby Club stalwart Chris McLellan marked an incredible 300 appearances for the side on Saturday with a last-minute conversion.And Torrance House head coach Craig Brown has hailed the 37-year-old’s “amazing achievement” after helping them to a 43-10 win at home to Annan in West Region One.Loose-head prop McLellan - nicknamed ‘Thunders’ - came through the youth ranks to become a first team regular, having first pulled on the black and yellow as a 16-year-old in 2002, and his wife Gillian and daughter Poppy were in attendance to see him make the milestone.Boss Brown said: “Chris has been here donkey’s years – in fact, he’s been here so long that he was playing prop against an Annan player whose father he had played against.“I don’t know if his number of appearances will ever be repeated at the club, just because of the nature of the game now.“Guys are getting bigger and stronger, which means your shelf life is reduced for first XV appearances.“But it is an amazing achievement for Chris and he is still going strong towards the end of the season.“He’s still a first pick in the team at 37 and putting in a shift.

He’s our lifter in the line-outs as well, so he is still competing at a good level.“His conversion was with the last kick of the game as well, so it was great.“His wife and kids were there and they are a really nice family, so we are thrilled to pieces for them.”After more than 20 seasons for McLellan at East Kilbride, Brown admits one of his most reliable players could be considering hanging up his boots.

But whatever he decides, his future looks likely to remain at Torrance House.Brown added: “Thunders says it takes a bit longer to recover from games now, but he still loves his rugby and he might fancy