Scotland rugby stars to turn out in Montrose

An Angus Rugby Club is set to receive a facelift thanks to some of the stars of the Scottish game.

Both Chris Paterson, ambassador and specialist coach for the Scotland and Edinburgh rugby union team and Scotland internationalist Matt Scott, will be at Montrose Rugby this weekend to kick off the Royal Bank of Scotland RugbyForce initiative for 2013.

RugbyForce is a community programme that supports local rugby clubs in building for their future.

Since the initiative was launched in 2009, the programme has helped over 1,000 clubs at the grassroots of the game by providing them with financial support, online guidance and tools to help coordinate a community-wide effort to give their facilities a ‘make-over’.

Duncan Campbell, junior rugby convenor at Montrose, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have such high-profile players coming to Montrose.

“This will be a great day and we are keen for anyone interested in rugby to come to Union Park and enjoy the day.

“We have put in a lot of work to make this a community club and this is fantastic recognition of the efforts from all of our volunteers and players.

“Training will be starting on the Sunday so this will be an excellent way to start the 2013-14 season.”

The two famous names will be in attendance on Saturday to help spruce up the place and will be joined by club members, players and people from the community as well as several other pro rugby players.

The RBS 6 Nations trophy will also be on show and there will be a number of activities for all ages.

RugbyForce now also combines a club education programme which provides advice and tips to assist players and teams in becoming more financially viable small businesses.

A spokesman for the initiative said: “By supporting these clubs, which sit at the heart of so many communities across the UK and Ireland, we aim to make the communities which we live and work stronger.”

Members of Montrose will also benefit from RBS funding for the project as well as a range of rugby goodies.

The open day will be on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.

If anyone is interested in playing rugby or being part of the club, they should contact 07932 045480 or email welcome@montroserugby.com

Scotland rugby stars to turn out in Montrose