May the rugby force be with you

Now in its 12th year, the nationwide rugby initiative supports amateur clubs by providing funding to improve facilities and attract new members, encouraging clubs to become true community hubs with a sustainable future.

Three quarters of amateur clubs in Scotland have benefited from Royal Bank RugbyForce support.

Since launch 12 years ago, over half a million pounds has been distributed and this year’s campaign will see a celebration of the grassroots game. On August 8-9, the bank and Scottish Rugby will host Royal Bank RugbyForce weekend, where rugby clubs will host events for their local community and unveil how they will use bank support as they prepare their club for the new season.

At BT Murrayfield, the home of Scottish Rugby, men’s and women’s internationalists Blair Kinghorn, Magnus Bradbury, Sarah Denholm and Rachel McLachlan urged amateur clubs in the Scottish Borders, and elsewhere, to think how they could use Royal Bank RugbyForce support and apply.

They were joined by Boroughmuir youth players Ben Watherston (14), Ben Malcolm (14), Ollie Blyth Lafferty (13) and Zak Griffiths (14).

For 2020, Royal Bank RugbyForce will offer two hero clubs a package to help them create a totally unique RugbyForce day, including event management, activation assistance and a visit from a Scotland international – making it easy for your club to show attendees how they can benefit from being involved in their local club.

Eight lucky clubs will receive £1000 in support, including event support and kit plus personal appearances from some of Scottish rugby’s biggest names, ready to roll up their sleeves and get involved.

Another eight clubs will be offered £1000 in financial support, with all other entrants being in with the chance of being awarded £250. All qualifying clubs will receive support packs to help them host their own Royal Bank RugbyForce weekend.

Scotland international and former Boroughmuir player Magnus Bradbury, one of the elite stars supporting the campaign this year, features in a series of short films encouraging clubs across Scotland to sign up to Royal Bank RugbyForce in 2020.

He said: “Community clubs play such a vital role in nurturing the next generation of rugby talent and many professional players take their first steps on to a rugby field at a local club.

“Royal Bank RugbyForce is an excellent initiative which supports grassroots clubs and it’s great to see them getting the funding they need to develop the rugby stars of tomorrow.”

Also championing the programme is Scottish women’s internationalist Rachel McLachlan, who started her playing career with West of Scotland RFC in 2017 and has quickly become one to watch in the rugby world.

She said: “Community clubs play a huge part in driving diversity and inclusion in the sport, creating potential role models for the next generation. It’s important that we continue to support local clubs to allow them to help challenge the perceptions of the sport, making rugby more accessible.”

Malcolm Buchanan, chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Scotland Board, said: “We’re very proud of our continued commitment to rugby in Scotland. The passion for the game remains strong and we’re delighted to be able to play a part in supporting local rugby communities across the country with both financial and practical assistance.

“We want to give clubs the opportunity to show people in their community how being involved in their local club can improve their own lives – socially, physically and mentally. From cheering on their local team at the side lines to volunteering at the rugby club, it’s a great way to meet people and grassroots clubs across the country can benefit too.”

David Campbell, director of youth rugby at Boroughmuir, one of the top two winning clubs in 2019, said: “Royal Bank RugbyForce weekend was a fantastic occasion for our club as we held a walking touch rugby tournament which encouraged members of the community to attend and take part regardless of their experience and abilities – we had people of all ages from toddlers to 70-year-olds taking part.

“We also used the grant money to contribute towards rejuvenating the facilities in and around the clubhouse ahead of the new season, which saw members of the local community getting involved in painting the changing rooms and cleaning up the clubs’ local area of Craiglockhart, around Meggetland Sports Complex.

Mr Campbell extended thanks to the Royal Bank of Scotland, without whose support the event would not have been possible, and its many staff and advisors who helped massively on the day.

Applications for funding can be made via the Royal Bank RugbyForce website at www.scottishrugby.org/clubs-and-schools/support-for-clubs/rugbyforce.