Scotland rugby star Rory Sutherland backing fundraising sleepout by Hawick youth players

The 28-year-old, on Hawick’s books from youth level until 2012 and at Gala from 2013 to 2014, this week recorded a video message encouraging youngsters to take part in a sleepout being lined up by the organisers of the Scottish Government-funded school of rugby based at Hawick High and the town’s rugby club.

Taking place tonight, March 12, it’s in aid of a food-bank initiative intended to help needy folk facing even greater hardship than usual because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Proceeds will go to Hawick’s Salvation Army team to help fund the food-bank programme it’s been running from its Croft Road base for just short of a year.

A provisional fundraising target of £500 has already been smashed, with donations now past the £900 mark.

In a video posted on the Mansfield Park club’s Facebook page, Sutherland, due to play for Scotland against Ireland on Sunday, March 14, says: “I think what you’re doing is absolutely fantastic.

“The sleepout to help out is an absolutely brilliant cause to help raise money for the Salvation Army in Hawick, and I hope that you can all do your bit to raise as much as possible.

“Good luck, enjoy it and I hope it all goes well.”

Due to Scottish Government restrictions on movement and mingling to curb the spread of Covid-19, the sleepout won’t involve any actual sleeping out and will instead settle for participants slumbering somewhere other than their usual beds.

Though organised by the school of rugby, it’s open to all, and not just those interested in the sport.

Community rugby development officer David Oliver said: “The Salvation Army in Hawick has been running a food-bank for a number of years in Hawick and, in recent times, it has been vital in supporting the local community as the full effects of the pandemic were unfolding and more and more people were needing support.”

To donate, go to gf.me/u/zibrpf

To take part, register at http://bit.ly/3ak5LUv