A pack of Scots rugby stars have thrown their weight behind the work of an Angus community rugby trust by agreeing to become ambassadors in the effort to drive the body forward.
Internationalists Matt and Zander Fagerson have been joined by former Scotland international Suzie Newton, new Scotland rugby league cap Murray Mitchell and professional referee Sam Grove-White in taking up the ambassadorial role for the Forfar-based Strathmore Rugby Club Community Trust.
Since June last year it has been working to increase public participation in sport, particularly rugby, in the Forfar, Kirriemuir and Brechin areas to benefit the health and wellbeing of participants.
A term-time rugby academy for senior school pupils and walking rugby sessions have already emerged as new strands of the club’s community involvement.
Its work will now be promoted by the Forfar-raised Fagerson brothers and Murray Mitchell as well as Sam and Suzie, who also have Angus roots.
They have agreed to help spread the word about the trust’s work and pass on skills which have helped them to the top of the game.
Glasgow Warriors back row Matt Fagerson said: “It was my local club growing up and the people there have been kind to me through the years – helping with gym and training when I’m home.
“The inclusive nature of the projects is fantastic. They’re for such a great cause and I’m sure will benefit many in the area massively.”
Brother and Warriors teammate Zander said: “Being from the local area, I understand there’s not a lot to do recreationally for children and especially for ones who need additional support or guidance.
“The trust is fantastic because it will grow the game of rugby in Angus further and make it fun for all.”
Murray Mitchell, who recently received his first full Scotland rugby league cap, came up through the Strathmore Sharks youth section and was playing his senior rugby union with Strathie until moving to Aberdeen Grammar Rugby two seasons ago.
He continues to play for Strathmore Silverbacks and said: “Having played at Strathmore since the age of seven, I’ve seen rugby within the community change in a massively positive way.
“The game has really developed me both on and off the field. The work of the community trust really underlines the value of developing people through rugby, which is why I’m delighted to support it.”
Trust community project coordinator Josh Gabriel-Clarke said: “We’re naturally chuffed five local, but high-profile figures in their respective roles across the game, have agreed to be ambassadors for the trust and its work.
“None hesitated when they were asked as they’re all keen to give something back to the local community in which they grew up.”
