Loughborough Players bids farewell to his club after over 350 games
This weekend marks the end of an era for Loughborough RFC as club legend Scott Pears laces his boots up for his club for the final time.
The club’s match against Mansfield RFC will be Pears’s last appearance after over 350 games before he returns to his roots in Manchester, bringing an end to a playing career that has spanned over 350 games.
Grassroots camaraderie
Scott’s rugby journey began at Eccles RFC in Manchester at the age of 15. When he moved to Loughborough for university, he initially tried the university side but found himself missing the atmosphere of a grassroots rugby club. He went down to Loughborough RFC and never looked back.
“The thing about a rugby club is that you have people of all ages, from kids to guys in their 70s, all coming together after a game,” he said. “It’s a great way to meet people when you’re new to an area. There’s not much better.”
Scott quickly became a key figure at Loughborough RFC, not just for his performances on the pitch but also for his contributions off it.
One of Scott’s highlights came through Loughborough’s promotion to Midlands 1 when he was 27.
“We had buses full of supporters and players, and we won against Peterborough Lions. The build-up was incredible, and the victory in extra time made it even more special,” he said.
A Final Game and a Lasting Connection
As he prepares for his final game, Scott admits it’s bittersweet.
“I’ve played over 250 games with my second-row partner, and we’ve been scrummaging and hitting lineouts together for years. It’ll be strange not doing that with him anymore.”
After more than a decade at the club, Scott believes that rugby clubs are where lasting friendships and bonds are formed.
“Rugby clubs create friendships that never go away. You see guys down at the club every Saturday, still meeting up with the same mates.”
“I think you can really see what the club means when you don’t have it anymore. All throughout COVID, we had nearly four years of not having the normal club experience.
“It’s a thing that’s felt more in its absence than it is in its presence. It’s quite difficult to go out and find people who share your life ethos and mentality, but rugby clubs have always been where I’ve found it.
“You can form friendships, make bonds, and share jokes. I don’t think those feelings ever go away - you see blokes down the club who have been coming down for years and continue to every weekend. It’s a feeling that doesn’t go away.”
As Scott steps onto the pitch one last time for Loughborough, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, camaraderie, and love for the game, not to mention a big hole in the second row for next season.
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