HELENSBURGH Rugby Club is planning to hold an event to remember the former players and ex-members who have died during the pandemic.

Current members and present and past players are being invited to come along to the club on Saturday, July 31 – and the club is hoping that those who have a pair of boots will dust them off and join in a one-off game to help the club's present-day squad prepare for the new season.

Like all sports clubs around the country, Helensburgh RFC has seen many ex-players and members pass away during the pandemic – some to Covid, some to other causes – and hasn't been able to properly pay tribute because of restrictions on the number of people who can attend organised events.

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Next Saturday's game and gathering will coincide with the second Test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town, and is being billed “as a great chance to relive the glory days, catch up with old team-mates, (hopefully) enjoy some summer champagne rugby, check out the new clubhouse and maybe throw a couple of matchboxes off the ceiling, before watching the Lions wrap up the series”.

Writing on the Helensburgh Rugby Club group on Facebook, club president John Cashmore said: “We haven’t forgotten them, nor have we forgotten to arrange a wee get together to share the memories of those who passed away.

“So, Saturday July 31 will be our Remembrance Day – get yourself along and let’s make it a day to remember.

“I hope it will be a good game, but I know it will be a great day.”

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