HAWICK RFC is looking to develop the stars of the future after being awarded a £5,000 grant to improve to improve the gym and training facilities at Mansfield Park.

The Banks Community Fund has awarded the cash to inspire the next generation of rugby players and help them to join the 59 internationals who have plied their trade at the club so far.

Vice-President of Hawick RFC, John Thorburn, said: “It is all but essential in modern rugby that players regularly weight-train to build the strength and power to compete at the highest levels.

“This grant from Banks Community Fund will therefore help us provide a springboard for future international rugby stars, such as Stuart Hogg who has recently gone on to play for the Lions as well as for Scotland.

“Youngsters from the age of 14 will benefit from the upgrades as we look to improve the equipment as well as making the gym changing facilities more functional and modern.”

The Banks Community Fund is a charitable fund set up by the Banks Group, the Hamilton-based property and renewable energy business, which can offer money for everything from church hall repairs to community garden schemes.

The upgrade is hoping to help the Borders team improve on its seventh place finish in the BT Premiership.

John added: “The Banks Group has been hugely supportive of Hawick RFC in the past few years and we have very much enjoyed working with them.”

Jeannie Kielty, community engagement co-ordinator at Banks Renewables, which is run by the Banks Group, added: “We are really pleased by Hawick RFC’s successful application as it is such a valued institution in this part of the Borders.

“They have a great track record for producing top rugby stars and we are delighted to be able to support the club as it looks to challenge for the top spots in next season’s BT Premiership.”

Banks Renewables’ next project is its 15-turbine Birneyknowe windfarm development and Ms Kielty said the project will provide opportunities for the town.

She said: “Approval of Birneyknowe Wind Farm will open up great funding opportunities for local community and sports groups in the area, with long term, secure community funding benefiting the whole area.

“I’m really keen to hear from any community groups interested in this opportunity, so that we can give them more information and put them in touch with local groups that are already considering the opportunity.

“A good start would be to email me at Jeannie.Kielty@banksgroup.co.uk.”
You can also visit the website www.banksgroup.co.uk/birneyknowe/.