A West End rugby club has been awarded one of the top prizes in the Royal Bank RugbyForce initiative.

Hillhead Jordanhill RFC has been awarded £1000 during the scheme, with the club achieving 'hero club status'.

The Royal Bank RugbyForce initiative is a grassroots sustainability programme, launched in collaboration between Royal Bank of Scotland and Scottish Rugby, that supplies clubs with expertise and tools to prepare for the new season. 

Alongside the £1000 grant, the club will also have the chance to meet Scotland's rugby superstars in August, in line with Covid restrictions. 

Gary Kitchener, Club President, at Hillhead Jordanhill RFC said: “Royal Bank RugbyForce Weekend is marked out in our calendars every season and we’re absolutely delighted to be one of this year’s winners. It’s been a tough eighteen months for clubs like ours up and down the country and programmes like this have proven to be more vital than ever.

"We can’t wait for RugbyForce Weekend and hopefully we can put on a fantastic event for our local community, bringing our club together and welcoming as many new faces as we possibly can.”

The club beat out competition from 130 other clubs around Scotland to take one of the top prizes.

Malcolm Buchanan, Chairman, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scotland Board, said: "Hillhead Jordanhill RFC thoroughly deserve their Royal Bank RugbyForce award win having delivered some vital work in their local community throughout the pandemic. 

"After a year where the resilience and spirit of the grassroots game has been tested like never before, we are proud to maintain our continued commitment to the Scottish game and we are really looking forward to helping rugby clubs across the country to get back on their feet and return to the action on the pitch."