THE green shoots of recovery are well in evidence at Helensburgh Rugby Club after the Grizzlies announced plans to reintroduce a second team.

The decision to bring back a second XV was made after 27 players indicated a willingness to represent the club in a development league – and means the Ardencaple club will, numbers permitting, aim to put two teams out on a Saturday for the first time in several seasons.

Ian MacQuire, who has volunteered to become the second XV's organiser, chief cajoler and occasional hooker, said: “We’ve got about 27 guys who have said they might pull on the boots again for the Burgh and I think we should just get the ball rolling now.

“I’m trying to arrange a bounce game for September 1, and I’ve managed to get us a place in a second team league.

“So I’d appeal to anyone who wants to play senior rugby – no matter your experience – to turn up at Ardencaple on a Tuesday or Thursday evening at 7pm.”

The Burgh second XV's opening game in division 3 of the Tennent's West Reserve League is due to be against Paisley at Ardencaple on September 15.