A CHANCE holiday down under has proved a life-changing experience for Anna Bay rugby journeyman Ross Buchan.
When Scotsman Ross followed best buddies Tommy Hart and Ross Aitken across the continent to Nelson Bay Rugby Club for a brief playing stint his world changed forever.
Twelve years down the track, the 34-year-old hooker forward stands tall as a Gropers legend and mainstay for the Nelson Bay first grade men’s side that is chasing yet another Hunter Suburban Rugby Presidents Cup A Grade premiership.
Tough-as-teak Buchan will play a key role when Nelson Bay square off with rivals Scone Brumbies in this Saturday’s qualifying final at Newcastle’s No 2 Sportsground.
When the teams last met three weeks ago, the popular club stalwart chalked up his 150th appearance for the Gropers in a rollicking 24-19 victory at Bill Strong Oval.
After 12 seasons with his beloved Gropers, the crafty hooker remains hungry for championship honours and believes the Nelson Bay Class of 2026 are up for the challenge.
“The team is well balanced with a nice mix of youth and experience and has come a long way this season under the coaching of Michael Squires,” the fearless forward told News Of The Area.
“Mick has introduced a crop of youngsters that have reinvigorated our stocks this campaign and we are now starting to hit our straps at the right time.”
A rejuvenated Buchan has overcome niggling injuries to produce some vintage performances against quality opponents in recent weeks.
“I’ve never felt fitter and stronger and there is a real positive vibe among the playing group in regards to going all the way and lifting the A Grade trophy,” he said.
Buchan knows that exhilarating feeling – he was a member of the Gropers’ all-conquering 2023 team that won the Presidents Cup title in resounding fashion.
The veteran forward has enjoyed a fascinating rugby journey with an international flavour.
Before emigrating to Port Stephens, Ross had stints with the Penicuik, Forresters and Watsonians rugby clubs in Scottish Rugby before venturing to the United States and playing for the Denver Barbarians.
In his youth, Buchan was a fleet-footed centre and prolific try scorer with a sharp turn of speed.
But the Nelson Bay club came close to losing their forward legend – just weeks after he arrived in Port Stephens with his two mates back in 2014.
Fly half Aitken and centre Hart were recommended to the Gropers by legendary Nelson Bay number 10 Chad Northcott during his stint with the famous Watsonians club in the Scottish Rugby competition.
Buchan had followed in the footsteps of his legendary father Stan – a tough loose-head prop – by captaining the Watsonians to a Scottish premiership in his final season.
After arriving in Nelson Bay, Ross became homesick but heeded the advice of his mother to “stick it out.”
Ironically Aitken and Hart returned to Scotland after a short Australian stint with Buchan fully embracing the coastal region he now calls “home”.
Ross met and later married local Nelson Bay girl Amy Zander and they have raised their six-year-old son Rueven and three-year-old daughter Albi in the tropical Port Stephens haven.
Buchan’s debut match for Nelson Bay was on the wing where he displayed his electrifying speed.
But over the past 12 years Ross has morphed into a cagey forward warrior and Gropers’ personality who has revelled in the role of Entertainment Director.
He continues to be an integral part of Nelson Bay rugby and is determined to help bring the Presidents Cup trophy back to his beloved Groperdome.
By Chris KARAS
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