Tait looking forward to Magic catch-up
Old acquaintances have not been forgotten by Alan Tait, the former Leeds, Widnes and Great Britain full-back who is looking forward to meeting up with good friends on Saturday and Sunday when Murrayfield hosts The Magic Weekend 2010.
Tait, who is now first team coach at Newcastle Falcons, is a massive fan of The Magic Weekend, a unique event in British sport which sees a full round of Engage Super League matches played over two days in the Scottish capital on May 1 and 2.
“I can’t wait for The Magic Weekend, it’s a great chance to watch live Rugby League matches and catch up with some old mates,” said Tait.
“League fans generate a wonderful, friendly atmosphere and The Magic Weekend is a great rugby festival. I know a lot of union fans will be going along as well and it’s definitely an event not to be missed.”
Tait played in a Tag Rugby League tournament at last year’s Magic Weekend but will have a watching brief this time around, both inside the stadium for the seven matches and for the many activities that take place on the pitches around Murrayfield.
“It’s always good to further one’s knowledge and the skills of the athletes on parade are phenomenal,” he said.
“League is so quick and fast these days and both sports can pick learn from each other by picking their brains.
“The run lines of the forwards in League are better than union. There is so much emphasis on scrums and line outs in union there has not been as much time to work on the running of the forwards but that is changing.”
Tait, 45, played for Scotland at Murrayfield in 1987 before switching to League with Widnes a year later.
He joined Leeds in 1992 before returning to union in 1996, winning 27 Scottish caps and two for the British Lions.
“I’ made a lot of good friends during my time in League and this weekend allows me the chance to enjoy the rugby and catch up with a few old pals like Jimmy Lowes at Warrington and Francis Cummins at Leeds,” he said.
“I’m sure it’s the same for the fans, renewing old acquaintances and watching some spectacular rugby in the bargain.
“I still look out for the results of Leeds and Widnes and it’s a shame the Vikings are not in the big-time.
“I’ve enjoyed watching St Helens over the last few years but I’m pleased to see Wigan coming back, that’s healthy for the sport.
“Huddersfield have come on leaps and bounds too and no games are foregone conclusions anymore.”