County Lends Support To Scotland

Stirling County, national midi finals champions, called in to the Scotland training camp at L’Etrat today to lend their support to the national team ahead of Sunday’s World Cup opener. County, who defeated Gala Red Triangle at under-16 level in a thrilling Murrayfield final which was hailed by then SRU President Andy Irvine as a terrific advert for the game last April, are playing in an international tournament organised by the Rhone Alps region. Stirling County, national midi finals champions, called in to the Scotland training camp at L’Etrat today to lend their support to the national team ahead of Sunday’s World Cup opener. County, who defeated Gala Red Triangle at under-16 level in a thrilling Murrayfield final which was hailed by then SRU President Andy Irvine as a “terrific advert for the game” last April, are playing in an international tournament organised by the Rhone Alps region. Last season’s under-16s are now, of course, under-17 and they warmed up for their tournament with a 68-0 victory against Villeneuve D’Ascq  Stirling’s twin town – in Lille in midweek. Lorne Boswell, tour organiser, said: “We’re playing against a team from Poland tonight then we face a team from England. Playing rugby in France is a completely new experience. It widens the understanding of what sport can do and what they can do.” Boswell added that the Stirling party will be at Stade Geoffroy Guichard on Sunday to cheer on Scotland against Portugal in their RWC opener. “The boys are looking forward to it. After the game they’re straight on the bus for the journey back to Stirling. Then they’re looking to get tickets for Scotland’s match against Romania at Murrayfield.” This morning’s Scotland training session also attracted a crowd of enthusiastic flag waving youngsters from the local primary school in L’Etrat. The Scotland team for Sunday’s opening match against Portugal will be named this afternoon.