Athlete to deliver match ball ahead of match against Kiwis
World athletics champion Josh Kerr says it will be a “huge honour” when he delivers the match ball ahead of Scotland’s much-anticipated Test match against New Zealand next month.
Kerr, who broke the mile record earlier this year and won Commonwealth Gold at Glasgow, has been asked to conduct some pre-match duties for Scotland’s first match of their autumn Nations Championships clash against the All Blacks in front of a packed Murrayfield on Saturday, November 7.
The 29-year-old has always been a keen rugby fan and the sport runs through his family. His father John made 11 appearances for Scotland A as a wing and centre between 1993 and 1998 and also played for Haddington and Watsonians, while his older brother Jake, 30, was capped for Scotland at hooker against Italy in 2019, having also played for Watsonians in the Super Series and for both Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears.
Kerr will have lunch with the Scotland squad before the match and he said: “Growing up, playing for Scotland at a packed Murrayfield was the dream. Running out, singing Flower of Scotland and facing the haka before taking on the All Blacks. It doesn’t get much bigger than that.
“My sporting career took me in a different direction, but on November the 7th I’ll get to play a small part by delivering the match ball. It’s a huge honour for me and my family.
“Rugby has always been a big part of our lives. My dad and brother both played at a high level, and supporting Scotland is something we’ve always shared. If running hadn’t taken over, I know I would have pushed to see how far I could have gone following in their footsteps.
“There’s a connection to New Zealand through the mile, too. John Walker held the world record for years, and to now hold that same record is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“Breaking it this summer was a massive moment in my career. But winning Commonwealth gold in Glasgow, wearing the Scotland vest in front of a home crowd, meant something different.
“Standing there with the Saltire flying and singing Flower of Scotland is a moment I’ll never forget.
“I know how much that support can give you as an athlete. Hopefully, we can get right behind Gregor and the boys and help them produce a performance to remember. I’ll certainly be doing my bit from the stands.
“Thank you to Scottish Rugby for the invitation. Sharing this with my family will make it even more special. I can’t wait.”
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend added: “We are delighted that Josh will be with us for our game against New Zealand.
“Celebrating and sharing the knowledge of elite sports people – all the more when they champion Scotland’s heritage – and enabling that connection is a source of huge pride.
“It will be great to have Josh with us and we’re also looking forward to welcoming Scotland’s most decorated Olympian, swimmer Duncan Scott, join us in camp before the Nations Championship resumes next month.”