A LONG-STANDING Peebles teacher who has gone above and beyond to spread the joy of rugby in the community has scooped an award.
David Changleng enjoyed a varied career in rugby, managing to pick up a cap for Scotland at under-21 standard before turning out as a referee at test level.
The 52-year-old has spent 25 years as a PE teacher at Peebles High School, during which time he has helped to craft a number of rugby stars.
And his efforts within the wider community were recognised last week when he was given the Volunteer of the Season in Schools Rugby award for the East region.
Work commitments meant that David was unable to attend the ceremony at Murrayfield but the award was collected on his behalf by the youth development officer at Peebles Rugby Club, George Blair.
The much-loved teacher said: "This was a team effort and I was delighted that George was able to collect the award on my behalf.
“The main emphasis for me is that I have made sure of strong school and community links. Peebles High School works so well with our adult volunteers, which I coordinate.
“After playing my rugby for Gala and achieving a Scotland U21 cap I took up refereeing.
“Having officiated in Heineken Cup matches and in the Six Nations plus Tri Nations matches in South Africa and Argentina I have wanted to pass on my enthusiasm of the game to future generations of young players.
“I always run bus trips to Murrayfield. Recently I attended the Scotland vs Ireland game with 50 pupils. I took 15 of our girls to the Scotland vs Wales game.
“We have a strong tradition of touring. I have organised nine tours to Canada in last 25 years and hosted many visiting teams from Canada, Argentina and France.
“In May I am taking 58 third-year boys and girls to Lake Garda, Italy, to experience playing sport abroad. In April, S1 host Yarm School, Yorkshire.
"Rugby is all about giving young people opportunities and encouraging them to find out about their true character."
David played for Gala until the age of 28 before trying his hand as a referee.
He has refereed in 23 countries and ran the line at 12 Six Nations matches.
Over the last two decades, he has been credited for the part he has played in the development of innumerable players who have gone on to achieve international honours, including Scotland U20 and Edinburgh Rugby player Paddy Harrison.
Jim King, secretary of Peebles RFC, said: “David can’t do enough for his pupils and those in the wider community when it comes to rugby.
“He freely gives up his own time to coach across all year groups in the school, organise transport for away games, support the provision of kit and organise food.”
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