TWO East Lothian rugby clubs have received a £1,000 boost to their pre-season preparations after gaining Champion Club status in this year’s Royal Bank RugbyForce initiative.

The nationwide rugby programme launched by the bank in association with Scottish Rugby supports community clubs with funding each year to help them show off their passion for the game.

Musselburgh RFC and Preston Lodge RFC will receive their prizes ahead of Royal Bank RugbyForce Weekend, which kicks off on Saturday, August 10, when clubs across the country will host a range of events as they launch the new season.

Malcolm Buchanan, chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to award Musselburgh RFC and Preston Lodge RFC ‘Champion Club’ status in this year’s Royal Bank RugbyForce programme.

“2019 is set to be a thrilling year for Scottish rugby and we want to help make sure that our grassroots clubs across the country can benefit too.”

More than 130 clubs applied for Royal Bank RugbyForce support this year, and an official panel of judges picked winners that demonstrated detailed and creative plans for their RugbyForce Weekend events that proudly show off their passion for the game.

For 2019, the campaign also focuses on helping clubs to make it easier for people to be part of a rugby community.

Mr Buchanan said: “The standard of applications has been higher than ever and we’re very proud to be able to provide funding and support for some truly fantastic community rugby projects across the country.

“Royal Bank of Scotland has a long-standing commitment to rugby in Scotland. Over the 11 years which Royal Bank RugbyForce has been running, we have witnessed at first-hand the huge difference the programme has made to clubs, their members and the communities in which they play.

“We would like to encourage everyone from club members to those thinking about getting involved in rugby to head to their local club for Royal Bank RugbyForce Weekend and become part of the rugby community.”

The nationwide programme supports clubs by providing funding to help them attract new members, make improvements to facilities and become more sustainable. With financial and practical support from the Royal Bank and professional advice from Scottish Rugby representatives, including Scotland and Glasgow Warriors legend Al Kellock, the programme has helped to deliver a range of benefits to clubs, including coaching clinics, boosting player numbers, attracting sponsorship and making pitch improvements.