Cumbernauld kids get rugby try-out

However, two recent events, each attended by groups of Cumbernauld youngsters, are proof that the sport really does have a bright future.

At the first, Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings was on hand to offer his advice to pupils from Cumbernauld High who were attending the 'Magnificent Sevens' schools tag rugby festival.

The event (pictured right) was organised by North Lanarkshire Leisure at the Ravenscraig sports facility, and many of those taking part had never played the sport before.

Fullback Hastings said: "This is a fantastic facility and tag rugby is a great fun way to introduce rugby to young people. We need to grow the sport at the grass roots level and events like this can only help to do that.

"When I first started playing rugby, girls weren't allowed to play – so it was really encouraging to see so many girls playing."

More than 50 Cumbernauld secondary pupils in S1 and 2 also took part in a Rugby Development Day at Broadwood Stadium (pictured below).

All of those involved were invited to head along to Cumbernauld Rugby Club to continue their involvement in the sport.

The club are looking for players at all youth levels from primary three to U16s level.

Anyone interested in getting involved should go along to the clubhouse in Condorrat on a Wednesday evening or contact Ali McCall, North Lanarkshire Rugby Development Officer, on 07939 281100.