Scotland announce three new dates in Borders

Published 26 Nov 2009 15:41 0 Comments

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FOLLOWING the success of Scotland A's 38-7 victory over Tonga at Netherdale last week, Scottish Rugby is delighted to announce that another three representative matches are heading for the Borders.

Around 4000 fans turned out to cheer on Scotland A's emphatic win and now the local supporters are to be repaid with another three fixtures: the Scotland Club International match against France at Netherdale on Friday 5 February (kick-off 7.30pm) and two back-to-back under-18 matches against France and Wales at Philiphaugh and the Greenyards on Sunday 14 and 21 March respectively (kick-off 3pm).

In keeping with the initiative launched by Scottish Rugby last season, admission to all representative fixtures will be FREE.

Councillor Graham Garvie, Executive Member for Culture, Sport and Community Learning at Scottish Borders Council said: "The attendance at the Scotland A game at Netherdale was fantastic and a reflection of the support for rugby in the Scottish Borders. The news that three more Scotland fixtures will be played here is excellent and ensures that fans across the Borders will continue to have good opportunities to support representative rugby here."

The amateur Scotland select represents the pinnacle of Scotland's club game, rewarding the Scottish Hydro League's top performers with the chance to represent their country while offering the game's up and coming club coaches the chance to test themselves at a higher level.

Scottish Rugby's head of community rugby, Colin Thomson, said: "Scottish Rugby is committed to hosting a range of representative rugby matches across the country to give every supporter in Scotland the chance to watch and be inspired by some of our top talent.

"The Scotland A match was a tremendous success and I'm confident that the local supporters will give these fixtures their full backing. The Borders has a long and proud tradition in developing and promoting the game of rugby through well supported and organised clubs at the heart of their communities.

"More recently the Border clubs, in partnership with the Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Rugby, have implemented a club development structure which continues this tradition alongside countless volunteers working in schools and clubs. It is important that we recognise this commitment to the sport in this area by bringing top events to the region."

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Economic Development at Scottish Borders Council added: "The Council's Economic Development Team worked very closely with Scottish Rugby to bring the Tonga game to the Borders and ensure its success.

"It's great news that these three additional matches will now be played here and we will continue working together with Scottish Rugby to make sure that the wider promotional and tourism benefits of the matches are maximised. The opportunity to showcase the Scottish Borders to visitors from France is very exciting, and I would encourage local businesses to work with us so that they capitalise on the event and potential return visits."

Friday, February 5 - Scotland club international v France, Netherdale (kick-off 7.30pm)

Sunday, March 14 - Scotland under-18 v France, Philiphaugh (kick-off 3pm)

Sunday, March 21 - Scotland under-18 v Wales, the Greenyards (kick-off 3pm)

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