Hardship fund payout for Borders clubs

Over a dozen Borders and Berwickshire rugby clubs are in line to benefit from Scottish Rugby’s Club Hardship Fund (CHF).
Clubs across the Borders are set to receive a payout from Scottish Rugby's hardship fund.Clubs across the Borders are set to receive a payout from Scottish Rugby's hardship fund.
Clubs across the Borders are set to receive a payout from Scottish Rugby's hardship fund.

The financial support initiative was set up in March, in immediate response to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CHF was designed to help with club running costs between then and July, a period during which no rugby was expected to be played and no income earned.

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In the East region, 13 local club were among 30 applicants who will receive CHF money to the tune of £165,378, with the overall scheme favouring 82 clubs across the country.

Almost £400,000 has been allocated, from an initial fund of £500,000, with the remaining money ring-fenced for supporting other projects around the club game in the near future.

The local clubs to benefit are Hawick, Earlston, Berwick, Gala, Peebles, Melrose, Langholm, Jed-Forest, St Boswells, Hawick Linden, Duns, Gala YM and Selkirk.

Candidates were able to apply for up to £5000 of funding, with higher claims considered in exceptional circumstances.

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Clubs could apply for financial assistance across four categories – people, premises, utilities and grounds – with each of Scottish Rugby’s five regions represented in subsequently successful applications.

As well as the 30 from the East, requests were granted in Caledonia Midlands (19), Glasgow North (16), Glasgow South (9) and Caledonia North (8).

Scottish Rugby chief executive, Mark Dodson, said: “We launched the Club Hardship Fund to offer support to clubs at what has proved to be an extremely challenging time for those involved in the sport at community level.

“I am pleased each applicant club will receive direct financial assistance to help where they need it most, so that when rugby does resume, they are well placed to become community hubs once more.”

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Director of rugby development, Sheila Begbie, said: “We wanted to give clubs some financial support due to the lockdown and premature end of the season, and the level of response from across the club game has been really encouraging.

“We have awarded a significant amount of money from the initial £500,000 fund and will issue the money at the end of this month, with the remainder earmarked for further investment in the club game.”

The recipient clubs welcomed news of the financial assistance, with Graeme Burgess, finance director at Melrose Rugby, saying: “Just a quick note of thanks on the Club Hardship Fund and our award.

“This scheme, along with support from government and other bodies, has helped to ensure we are able to see out the most financially challenging period in the club’s history.”

The local clubs to benefit are Hawick, Earlston, Berwick, Gala, Peebles, Melrose, Langholm, Jed-Forest, St Boswells, Hawick Linden, Duns, Gala YM and Selkirk.