My first memory of Angus is from that famous away win in Redruth back in January 2022, he scored the match winning try in front of over 600 Cornishmen - it was a very mess trip back to London that evening, but it is the game and Angus’s performance that long lives in the memory.

I can take no credit for Angus’s recruitment, he was a golden nugget dug up by Paul Spencer when he was coaching the 2nd XV.

From my point of view, Angus has been a consistently high performing player season after season. He would be well past 100+ games for the club at 1st XV level had it not been for two broken thumbs, a reattached pectoral muscle and various hamstring issues.

Angus is exactly what we want in our Captain. He is resilient, committed, tenacious and, most important of all, respected by all of the players and coaches in the 1st XV squad.
I would like to also mention our outgoing Captain, Tom Spencer-Jones, who continues to play a key role within the senior playing squad.

Having spoken to Tom this week, he fully understands our rationale behind the decision to make Angus the Captain. Although naturally disappointed, Tom is fully committed to Barnes Rugby Club and we, as coaches, are pleased to see h Tom’s commitment to Barnes and to working alongside Angus within the senior player group.

In response Angus said: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to captain the side for the 26/27 season. Barnes has been my home ever since I moved down to London from Scotland, and the club means a lot to me.

I also want to extend my thanks to Tom for his leadership this past season. The club is in a great place, and I look forward to working with you all to keep that momentum going. The league fixtures are just around the corner now and I know the boys can’t wait to get stuck in”.

Chairman Colum Mannix added his thoughts:
“It’s a regular sight home or away: a highly contested, crunching breakdown forms where bravery and tenacity decide the outcome. The referee’s whistle blasts and up rises the unmistakable red scrumcap of Gus Farquhar, ball in hand.

Another magnificent turnover to sink the hearts in our opposition and raise the spirits of the Green & Gold!

In the clubhouse, though, you meet a different side of him – the soft-spoken Scottish warrior, always affable, always articulate, always ready for a chat. But words barely capture the admiration I have for Angus: his tenacity, his consistency, his leadership, and unwavering commitment to the cause of Barnes RFC. Chapeau Ya Beautie!”