Scotland Players Put Muscle Into RBS Rugbyforce Weekend

From Thurso in the north to Langholm in the south-west, Scotland’s rugby players were out and about at rugby clubs this weekend giving some extra muscle to RBS RugbyForce 2012.Players from the Scotland team, Scotland Women’s team, Scotland under-20 and Scotland 7s went back to the grassroots to help clubs prepare for the big kick-off and to open their doors to their local community to show what they have to offer. Some 138 clubs across Scotland registered to take part in the initiative which continues tomorrow putting a whole new slant on the glorious 12th.Representative players were on hand to assist at around 20 clubs with Scotland’s cap and points’ record holder, Chris Paterson, Scottish Rugby’s ambassador, doing a cross-country trip to offer his support.He said: “I have made it to four different clubs today and the work going on is tremendous.”The clubs have made a massive effort and it’s been great to see the difference even one day can make.RBS RugbyForce is all about getting the whole community involved and this is a great way to kick off the new season.”At some clubs, players helped with specific projects such as laying a path or sprucing up paintwork. At others there was some coaching and autographs and photographs galore.Elaine Martin, East Kilbride RFC fund-raiser said: “It’s a fabulous weekend. All the men are working well putting in a new path from the changing rooms to the rugby pitches. “Everyone is over the moon that Al (Kellock, the Glasgow Warriors and Scotland lock) and Mary (Lafaiki, the Scotland Women’s internationalist) are here.”Scotland captain, Ross Ford, who was at Grangemouth RFC, where he saw ambitious plans for a sports barn which will protect a 3G IRB compliant pitch from the worst excesses of the Scottish winter, said: “It’s been fantastic.  The turn-out has been awesome. To come to local clubs to help them out in preparation for the start of the season is a really great initiative and everybody has had great fun.”His Edinburgh Rugby team-mate, fellow internationalist Greig Laidlaw added: “This is where it all starts. I’m a big believer in bringing some energy along to the kids and hopefully they will aspire one day to go on to great things themselves.”There was a delighted reaction from youngsters and women players at Grangemouth, where Ford and Laidlaw were able to enjoy a special, healthy granola and muesli bar (at least that’s how they described it) prepared for them!”Jonny (10) from Lenzie RFC, who were visited by Scotland and Glasgow Warriors flanker John Barclay and Scotland and Hillhead/Jordanhill Women’s internationalist Heather Lockhart, enjoyed his day. He thinks he might like to be a scrum half when they start doing positions next year and he said: I think more fun days like this would make more people interested in rugby and make more people want to join the rugby club.Greig Gilbert, RBS Rugby Team, said: “The idea behind RBS RugbyForce Weekend 2012 is to support clubs to hold an event that underlines what they can offer to their communities, while encouraging everyone to get the club ready for the new season. There’s clearly been some great work going on today.”Scotland players on duty tomorrow include Glasgow Warriors lock Tom Ryder, who will be at Birkmyre RFC; Edinburgh Rugby prop Geoff Cross who will be at Dumfries Saints; and Scotland 7s flying machine James Fleming who will be joined by Edinburgh Rugby’s favourite Fijian, No 8 Netani Talei at Crieff and Strathearn.