Lenzie Rugby Club given cash from Scottish Rugby Hardship Fund

The governing body has announced details of the recipients of cash from the fund which was set up in March in immediate response to the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The CHF was designed to help with club running costs between then and July, a period during which no rugby was expected to be played and no income earned.

Candidates were able to apply for up to £5,000 of funding across four categories - People, Premises, Utilities and Grounds - with higher claims considered in exceptional circumstances.

Almost £400,000 has been allocated from an initial fund of £500,000 with the remaining money ring-fenced for supporting other projects around the club game in the near future.

Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson said: “We launched the Club Hardship Fund in order to offer support to clubs at what has proved to be an extremely challenging time for those involved in the sport at community level.”

“I am pleased that each applicant club will receive direct financial assistance to help where they need it most so that when rugby does resume, they are well placed to become community hubs once more.”

Scottish Rugby’s director of rugby development, Sheila Begbie, added: “We wanted to give clubs some financial support due to the lockdown and premature end of the season and the level of response from across the club game has been really encouraging.

“We have awarded a significant amount of money from the initial £500,000 fund and will issue the money at the end of this month, with the remainder earmarked for further investment in the club game.”

All clubs have now been contacted about their respective awards and the funds will be allocated in the coming weeks.

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