Magnus Bradbury backs Royal Bank RugbyForce

Oban’s Magnus Bradbury helped launch a Royal Bank of Scotland grassroots rugby programme last Wednesday.

The Scotland international and former Boroughmuir player is one of the elite stars supporting the Royal Bank RugbyForce campaign this year.

He features in a series of short films encouraging clubs across Scotland to sign up to the scheme in 2020.

‘Community clubs play such a vital role in nurturing the next generation of rugby talent and many professional players take their first steps onto a rugby field at a local club,’ he said.

‘Royal Bank RugbyForce, delivered in association with Scottish Rugby, is an excellent initiative which supports grassroots clubs and it’s great to see them getting the funding they need to develop the rugby stars of tomorrow.’

Now in its twelfth year, the nationwide rugby initiative supports amateur clubs by providing funding to improve facilities and attract new members. It also encourages clubs to become community hubs with a sustainable future.

Since launching 12 years ago, more than half a million pounds has been distributed.

This year’s campaign will see a celebration of the grassroots game.

On August 8 and 9, the bank and Scottish Rugby will host a Royal Bank RugbyForce weekend when clubs will host events for their community and unveil how they will use bank support as they prepare for the new season.

Magnus joined fellow Scotland internationalists Blair Kinghorn, Sarah Denholm and Rachel McLachlan to urge clubs to think how they could use Royal Bank RugbyForce support and apply.

For 2020, Royal Bank RugbyForce will offer two clubs a package to help them create a unique RugbyForce day including event management, activation assistance and a visit from a Scotland international - making it easy for them to show attendees how they can benefit from being involved in their local club.

Another eight clubs will be offered £1,000 in financial support, with all other entrants being in with the chance of being awarded £250.

All qualifying clubs will receive support packs to help them host their own Royal Bank RugbyForce weekend.

Applications for funding can be made via the Royal Bank RugbyForce website at www.scottishrugby. org/clubs-and-schools/ support-for-clubs/rugbyforce

Boroughmuir Rugby Club youth player Ollie Blyth Lafferty,13, women’s Scotland internationalist Sarah Denholm, men’s Scotland internationalist Magnus Bradbury, men’s Scotland internationalist Blair Kinghorn, women’s Scotland internationalist Rachel McLachlan and Boroughmuir Rugby Club youth player Zak Griffiths, 14, at the Royal Bank RugbyForce launch last Wednesday.