By Monkey1
August 12 2004

Craig Hamilton

"Stretch" as he is affectionally known at the club has been with the Falcons since he joined the Academy 6 years ago at the age of 18. He left the Academy to become a full time 1st team player at the beginning of the 2002/03 season and has played 36 premiership games for the club.

Stretch won his first international cap for Scotland on the 2004 summer tour. He was described by coach Matt Williams as the "find of the tour" so expect more international appearances from the Dumfries born lock in the future.

He is well known for being amiable and laid back, and his relaxed attitiude nearly cost him his place with Scotland. His invitation to train with the Scotland squad was missed while he was moving house, and the first he knew about the call up was when team mate and fellow Scotland player Stuart Grimes phoned him to ask why he had not turned up. Taken completely by surprise he duly packed and set off for the training to arrive a day late. He was later phoned by a Scotland RFU manager to be told that he had been selected for the Australia tour, but being Stretch he mis-heard "ok, so I've not been picked". "No, no, you have been picked you're going on the tour" he was told. Anybody who knows Stretch would not be surprised by any of this, one of his pet hates is being rushed.

He may have a relaxed attitude to life in general, but as a sportsman and an athlete he is most serious. He compliments his rugby career with running and weight training, and is a keen golfer. Previously a player at West of Scotland and Wigtownshire, he has represented Scotland U21 in the 2000 Sanzar tournament, starting against Tonga and coming on as a replacement against South Africa and Argentina. He also represented Scottish Students, in particular starting in their game against French Students at Inverleith in March 2002.

He starts the 2004/05 season a stone heavier than last season and is keen to impress. "I just feel that I’ve got so much more confidence about my game now, and also the experience of being out on a Scotland tour. I’m getting better as a player, and I’m chomping at the bit to play most weeks or at least get on from the bench. I’m really looking forward to the season and I feel my game is gradually improving".

The softly spoken Scot has become a permanent feature of Kingston Park, and with his best playing years still ahead of him he promises to be one of the pillars of the club for the future. "I love it here at the Falcons, and I’m definitely happy to stay" he commented recently.

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Profile last updated 09/08/2004. 

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