Terror attack rugby pals return to Paris

Scott Muir, president of Allan Glen’s Rugby Club, said he and nine fellow club 
members were welcomed with open arms when they arrived in the French capital earlier this month.

They flew in to see a rescheduled Glasgow Warriors match, cancelled after the horrific events of November 13.

Scott said: “We were getting huge hugs wherever we went. Everyone seemed so glad to see us.

“We are a bit of a magnet too, because of how we dress. Our nickname is the Black Warriors.”

In a report in the Herald days after the attack, Scott told how all hell broke loose when they were enjoying an evening out in a pub the night before the game.

The friends had to dive for cover when they saw policemen running down the street outside with automatic weapons.

At the time, Scott said: “It was total panic. I couldn’t believe it.”

However, the return visit to Paris couldn’t have been more different.

Scott said: “We went back to the same hotel and the same pub and they welcomed us with open arms.

“Paris is bouncing. People are determined not to let these idiots ruin their lives.”

The terror attacks claimed the lives of 130 people in separate killing sprees across the city. Dozens more were seriously injured.

The rugby pals had popped into Irish bar McBride’s when their trip turned to terror. It’s in Rue Saint Denis, near the Bataclan Theatre, where 89 concert goers died.

Scott said “We wanted to make a point of going back to the bar.”

Unfortunately, Glasgow Warriors were beaten by French side Racing 92 but this did not dampen the spirits of the pals. Scott added: “We met Gregor Townsend, head coach of Glasgow Warriors, and he thanked us for coming. We had a great time.”