Cash boost for Kirkcaldy Rugby Club

The Blues will use its prize money to make improvements to their facilities at Beveridge Park and implement required safety protocols in light of Covid-19, helping players and spectators return to the sport safely when the time comes.

To relieve financial pressure on community clubs, the funding was released ahead of schedule this year.

The award comes jusy a week after Scottish Rugby announced there would be no competitive games played this season.

Royal Bank RugbyForce is a nationwide rugby programme launched by Royal Bank of Scotland in association with Scottish Rugby in 2009.

It supports amateur clubs by providing funding to improve facilities and attract new members, encouraging clubs to become true community hubs with a sustainable future.

To help clubs through this period where they are unable to open their doors, Royal Bank has also developed a financial toolkit for grassroots clubs, including information on the support the bank offers, and advice on how they can become financially sustainable during these challenging times, helping them to safeguard their clubs for the future.

The bank is also providing ‘Return to Rugby’ kits including social distancing solutions, directional signage and sanitation essentials as well as new bibs, balls and cones to help clubs to support clubs re-opening when government guidance allows.

The funding typically complements the annual RugbyForce Weekend in August, where local clubs host events to showcase the positive impact local clubs they’ve had on their community, however, this year’s events have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Malcolm Buchanan, Chairman, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scotland Board, said: “We are delighted to award Kirkcaldy Rugby Club with funding and Champion Club status as part of this year’s Royal Bank RugbyForce initiative.

"We’re proud that we can continue to support clubs across the country.”