Glasgow Warriors will complete over 20 community appearances this month culminating in two events this weekend at Dalziel RFC and Lathallan School.

The club’s community work has encompassed rugby clubs, private and state sector schools, charities and other promotional activities involving each and every member of the playing squad.

These efforts have amassed over 200 individual appearances over the past four weeks, averaging over five separate events per week, above and beyond a demanding training schedule.

The visits have taken place all over Glasgow and the west of Scotland as well as places such as Ayr, Elgin, Fife and Montrose.

Both of this weekend’s events are taking place on Saturday with Ruaridh Jackson, Moray Low and Richie Vernon set to meet anywhere between 400 and 600 people as they take part in the inaugural school sevens tournament at Lathallan.

Upward of 20 schools from all over the North East of Scotland are expected to take part in tournaments at both Primary 7 (Under-12) and Under-18 levels. Scottish Rugby’s incoming Chairman Sir Moir Lockhead will also make an appearance as he continues to obtain an overarching view of Scottish rugby before his tenure commences.

Commenting on the upcoming event the school’s teacher of PE and head of rugby, Niall Lear, said: “We are trying to showcase the rugby talent in the north east of Scotland and this is the only tournament of its kind up here.

“The kids certainly haven’t stopped talking about the Glasgow boys coming along so it’s set to be a fantastic day for everyone taking part.”

The tournament is also aiming to raise funds for two rugby charities - Hearts and Balls who help players affected by catastrophic injury and their families and The Bill McLaren Foundation which aims to encourage the development of rugby and its values.

The Dalziel Youth Festival is another bumper event with over 1,000 boys and girls aged from 5-18 years old participating in over 40 teams.

Flanker Robert Harley and winger Dave McCall are in line to hand out trophies, medals and other top prizes as well as continue their efforts to act as role models for young people and encourage participation in rugby and support of the Warriors.

Reflecting on the efforts of the players in promoting the game, the Warriors and the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, Glasgow chief executive Kenny Baillie said: “Glasgow Warriors are dedicated to helping the community rugby scene thrive as well as assisting other charities and initiatives thrive through our high profile ambassadors – the players.

“We always strive to set high standards for our community work so I hope all the events we attended this month have benefited in some way from our involvement and they are now more inclined to support the Warriors.

“I also encourage any clubs or schools looking to engage with the Warriors to get in touch via the Warriors’ website.”

This article was posted on 28-Apr-2011, 18:54 by Hugh Barrow.