MUSSELBURGH Rugby Club is enjoying “a real buzz” following promotion and a review of membership benefits.

Jill Irving, treasurer, said this had sparked a boost in activity, resulting in new links with local businesses and a successful sponsorship drive which the new collection of advertising boards around the pitch reflected.

She said: “It’s an exciting time at the club going into the Premiership this year and celebrating our centenary in only two years’ time.

“We have a great bunch of players at the club. We are all looking forward to the Premiership challenge.

“They are ably supported by the 2nd XV and all the youth teams flowing through the club.

“There is a real buzz about the club, bringing new sponsors and members on board, and we are enjoying establishing the new links and relationships which can only encourage a successful season ahead, both on and off the pitch.

“Game day is always a great fun day out, even for the non-rugby supporter, so we’d be delighted to welcome all ages to the club over the season to join in.”

The 1st XV season at Musselburgh RFC kicks off this Saturday with a cup tie against Glasgow Hawks.

This will be followed by their first Premiership league tie against Hawick next Saturday (September 7).

Both games, with kick-offs at 3pm, will be preceded by supporters’ lunches with speakers George McNeill and Iain Milne.

The first senior team, being the highest ranked East Lothian club, will play in the top flight this coming season and has membership open to all, offering benefits including 10 per cent bar discount, discount at local businesses including 10 per cent at the Mercat Bar & Grill in Whitecraig and 20 per cent at Jump In trampoline centre in Musselburgh, access to Scotland international ticket applications and discounts on supporter lunches and venue hire.

The club is also launching a new wine list to encourage members and visitors to enjoy a glass in the surroundings of the bar area or outdoor seating area. Well-behaved dogs with owners are welcome.

The club’s facilities are also available for hire, including a function hall with kitchen as well as smaller spaces for groups to meet.

A new gym project is in progress this year which will see the players, members and volunteers pull together to fundraise and facilitate the building to ensure the playing facilities are “of the highest quality”.

All Scotland’s Rugby World Cup warm-up games over August and September will be shown live in the clubhouse and all are welcome to go along to enjoy and support the team’s road to Japan.

Visit the club’s new website at musselburghrfc.com or email musselburghrfc@aol.com