FOUR international rugby stars with more than 100 caps have helped Haddington RFC become record-breakers.

A total of 458 men, women and children took to the pitch at Neilson Park on Sunday as part of the Haddington 700 celebrations. Currently the world record for players involved in a continuous game of rugby is 442.

Now Haddington RFC president Keith Wallace is waiting for official confirmation that a new record has been set.

He said: “The day was a fantastic occasion despite the worst day of weather all summer, and we were delighted by the huge effort and support from the club and the rugby and local communities in getting past the record.

“As a celebration of the town’s 700 years of the Royal Charter it was a great success, with the match kicked off by Provost John McMillan, and great support from the town, with particular thanks to the boys’ football team who arrived late on, like the cavalry, to help get us over the line.

“More than that, though, it was brilliant to see players [aged] from five to 73 enjoying our great game, with several cases of three generations from the same family playing at the same time, including one connected family group of 18.

“This is the power of rugby. We look forward to seeing many of our record-breakers back at the club in the near future.

“We would also like to thank the Royal Bank of Scotland, sponsors of RugbyForce day of which we were one of two top prize winners, without whose support the event would not have been possible – in particular their many staff, including a good number from the local branch who helped massively on the day.”

The match between Haddington President’s XV and Haddington Barbarians XV was kicked off by Provost John McMillan.

The councillor, who previously played for Murrayfield 3rds, said: “It was a real honour. I have not played rugby for well over 40 years and it was an amazing day, with a great turnout.

“It was very well-organised, despite the horrific weather. It was a great community thing and I was impressed how many people were there – men, women and children of all ages.

“It was a great tribute to the club but also the community.”

Following their £1,000 win for their successful application as part of the Royal Bank RugbyForce initiative, delivered in partnership with Scottish Rugby, Haddington’s event organisers will now submit evidence of the record for verification from Guinness World Records.

Haddington RFC will also use the prize money to contribute towards a recruitment drive to increase playing numbers at all levels and fund community engagement projects.

Haddington RFC’s charity partner Wooden Spoon were also in attendance on the day.

Mr Wallace, who took part in the early stages of the mammoth six-hour match, thanked current Scotland internationalists Stuart McInally, Willem Nel and Sarah Law; while there was also an appearance from ex-Lions and Scotland forward Finlay Calder, who grew up in Haddington. Mr Wallace said: “It made a huge difference – the kids loved seeing them and they were great.”