Gala dinner will give Scots stylish send-off

SCOTLAND rugby supporters will have the chance to send off the squad to this autumn’s Rugby World Cup in England in style at a gala dinner in Glasgow.

Scotland's fly half Finn Russell at the France and Scotland 6 Nations match at the Stade de France, Paris. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

The event takes place on Thursday 10 September at the Radisson Blu hotel in Glasgow and proceeds will be shared by two of Scottish Rugby’s charity partners, the Bill McLaren Foundation and Hearts & Balls. The entire Scotland squad and management will be present.

Hearts & Balls director, Scottish Rugby Board member and former Scotland captain Ian McLauchlan, said: “The corresponding event before the squad set out for New Zealand four years ago was a roaring success. It gave supporters the chance to say ‘Good luck, we’re very proud of you and we’re all right behind you’ and that message will ring loud and clear again this autumn.”

Alan Lawson, former Scotland scrum-half, on behalf of the Bill McLaren Foundation, said: “The fact the tournament this year is on our doorstep means that there’s a golden opportunity to inspire people to become involved in rugby and gain an insight into the sport’s values, which Bill loved. At the Bill McLaren Foundation we’re delighted to co-host this dinner.”

Tickets for the dinner can be bought from the websites of the respective charities www.heartsandballs.org.uk or www.billmclarenfoundation.co.uk and cost £100 each. They are available from Wednesday (29 April).

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter said: “It’s really humbling that two renowned rugby charities wish to send us off to the tournament in this manner.”

Scotland stand-off, Finn Russell, added: “Family and friends will always rally behind you and I learned during the course of the RBS 6 Nations Championship, especially through social media, the sheer number of Scots around the world who want the team to be successful.

“As a player I’ll be focused over the next few weeks in helping Glasgow Warriors end the season with a flourish and I very much hope to be part of the Scotland Rugby World Cup squad.

“The dinner is a fantastic gesture and one that I’d be honoured to attend.”