YOUNG players from Helensburgh Rugby Club’s youth set-up were among more than 1,700 people who flocked to one of the newest sporting facilities in the west of Scotland to see Scotland’s Six Nations stars last week.

A huge crowd, including young players from many of the clubs in Glasgow and the surrounding area, gathered at the new Clydebank Community Sport Hub (CCSH) to watch the country’s top rugby players hold an open training session ahead of this weekend’s match against France in Paris.

And it wasn’t just a question of standing at the sides and watching coach Gregor Townsend put his squad through their paces, either: after the session was over, the young – and some not-so-young – spectators had the chance to meet their rugby heroes in person, collect autographs and pose for pictures.

Posting on the Helensburgh Youth Rugby website, HYR’s Robin Smith said: “A great experience for the kids (and coaches!) to meet some of their rugby heroes.

“Going to events like this just shows how strong the rugby values for all our kids, and how open, friendly and approachable a team Scotland are.”

The session was organised after the Scottish Rugby Union attended the official opening of the £4 million hub in December and asked if they could bring the squad to sample the new facility.

As well as rugby, the hub provides world-class facilities for Gaelic football, taekwondo and a range of other sports and activities.

Ross McCombe, chairman of CCSH and Clydebank Rugby Club said: “It’s great that fans can get up close to the players to have a chat and take selfies.

“The facilities here were built to cater for events like this.”