YOUNG rugby players in Helensburgh have been working hard to catch up on time lost training and playing during the Covid lockdowns.

As with many other sports, the pandemic has had a huge impact on both senior and youth rugby in Helensburgh over the past year and a bit – but thanks to the dedication of coaches and volunteers , and with many desperate players keen to pull on the boots again, things are finally moving in the right direction.

A few competitive youth friendlies were also able to take place towards the end of the season.

One team, led by coaches Iain MacKay and Leigh Swain, desperate to make up for lost time are this season's Lomond and Helensburgh S2 team.

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After an abrupt end to their P7 season and lockdown wiping out their S1 season, the players have embraced the easing of restrictions and have thrown themselves into training for the coming season as S2. Many of the squad has been together since P1, while a number of new arrivals have fitted in quickly and are enjoying being part of the squad.

The coaching team have continued to run training during the summer break to offset the time lost during lockdown. The squad are quickly regaining their skill set and confidence with tackling and the physical aspects of the game. There is also an emphasis on team building and fun.

The coaches have established strong links with Live Argyll Active Schools and are planning to introduce extra-curricular rugby to Hermitage Academy when the schools return in August.

Local Active Schools co-ordinator Martin Caldwell explained: “We are looking at strengthening school to community club links, with coaches from the rugby club running sessions in schools and signposting interested pupils to the club where they can take things a stage further.”