HAVING just completed a sponsored charity project that raised almost £2,000 in under a fortnight for the town’s foodbank, Selkirk Rugby Club’s players aren’t letting the grass grow under their feet.

This week members of the club’s playing squad have embarked on yet another ‘challenge’ to support the local community – litter collection.

The idea came from former 1st XV skipper Ross Nixon, and comes in the wake of a similar venture undertaken by Glasgow Warriors’ professional players.

“When you’re walking in and around Selkirk, you can’t help noticing pieces of litter that have been left lying around, often when proper bins aren’t that far away,” said Nixon.

“I thought it would be a good idea for Selkirk players to take a bin bag with them when they head out to take their daily exercise, picking up any litter they see next to paths or along roadside verges.

“We’re lucky in Selkirk to have such unspoilt countryside to exercise in, so it’s a shame to see it spoiled by discarded empty bottles, food wrappers and general rubbish.

“I kicked off the campaign by nominating three members of our players – Aaron McColm, Ewan MacDougall and Liam Cassidy – to collect litter on their walks.

“Each of this trio will then challenge a further three players to collect litter, and in turn these three will nominate other team-mates, and so on.”

The project has the backing of Selkirk head coach Scott Wight.

He said: “It’s another way the club can put something back into the local community, though this time there’s no sponsorship involved.

“It’s looking as if it’s going to be a wee while before any rugby is going to be played, so this latest effort not only helps keep the players in touch with each other, it’s also providing a useful service for the Selkirk community.”

Meanwhile, Selkirk Rugby Club is to stage its annual Players Presentation Night on Friday (May 29) – although this year’s event will be a ‘virtual’ get-together.

The plan is for the club’s coaches, players and rugby officials to be digitally linked via Zoom, with Selkirk head coach Scott Wight taking charge of proceedings.

“The idea is to try and stick as closely as possible to the format normally used at the club’s annual presentation nights,” said Wight.

“A total of nine trophies are up for grabs, and the name of each award winner will be announced separately on the video link, followed by film footage, or photos, of that player in a match situation.

“Short addresses will be given by, among others, the club’s chairman and its director of rugby, as well as recaps of the 1st and ‘A’ XVs’ seasons by the sides’ respective team managers.

"It should be a fun evening!”