Plaster It Purple to return

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity will continue as the Official Charity Partner of Glasgow Warriors for another two years.

Since the beginning of the partnership in 2018, the events the two organisations have delivered together– which have raised well over £20,000 to ensure the country’s young people receive the extra special care they deserve at Scotland’s largest children’s hospital – have been some of the most memorable for players and supporters alike.

The unforgettable Scrumbags gig at the Hard Rock Café in February 2020 was a true highlight, and, after the disruption of the 2019/20 season, a memorable Plaster It Purple match day takeover finally took place at Scotstoun last October.

As part of the renewal the Club are pleased to confirm that Plaster It Purple –supported by our Official Kit Sponsor, Leidos– will return this season. The takeover will be held during the club’s Round 17 match in the BKT United Rugby Championship against Scarlets on Friday 14 April 2023 (kick-off 7.35pm).

On the night, supporters will be encouraged to come to Scotstoun dressed in purple, while the players will play with purple laces. Closer to the event, details for how to raise money for the Charity will be revealed.

At last year’s takeover, the club, together with Leidos, raised more than £13,000, which included Leidos donating £1 for every seat sold for the fixture against Leinster.

Glasgow Warriors players will also be able to visit patients at the hospital for the first time since 2019, with plans underway for a small select group of players to make the club’s annual Christmas visit in December for the first time since pre-pandemic, looking to bring joy to hospital families at a time that can often present challenges.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership, Club Captain Kyle Steyn said: “It’s amazing we’re able to renew this partnership with the Children’s Hospital, especially this year as we’re allowed back to visit the children and staff.

“For us as players, there is so much we can learn from the people at the hospital – the strength and positivity they show through all their different battles is humbling.

“Plaster It Purple is an amazing event in the calendar – just seeing the Warriors community coming together for it is incredible, and having it on a Friday night this season is a bonus too. I know last year we raised over £12,500, and the target is to go above that this year.”

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity volunteer – and avid rugby fan – Jillian Stewart said: “My daughter Isla has been a patient at the hospital since birth, she is now 14, and we’ve used a lot of the services the charity funds.

“Rugby is also a huge part of our family’s lives. What’s special about rugby is it has a real community and family element behind it. For that reason, it means a lot that Glasgow Warriors are getting behind Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for the fourth year in a row.”

Kirsten Watson, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity CEO said: “It’s a privilege to once again be partnering with Glasgow Warriors for another two seasons.

“We’ve been lucky enough to receive exceptional support from the Warriors players, staff and fans over the last four years, from surprise visits at the Royal Hospital for Children to the Plaster it Purple fixture, which is always one of our favourite events.

“We can’t wait to turn Scotstoun purple once again in April.”