SCOTLAND’S record points scorer and most capped rugby star Chris Paterson has praised the passion for the sport in Clydebank upon his recent visit to Clydebank Rugby Club.

Since retiring the 36-year-old hasn’t strayed far from the game he learned growing up in Galashiels, and in line with his ambassadorial role with Scottish Rugby, Paterson was in Clydebank last Wednesday as part of the RBS RugbyForce initiative which has seen Clydebank selected as one of 10 teams to receive an internationalist at their club’s open day this summer.

Paterson, who scored over 800 points for the national side, was in attendance at the club alongside Glasgow Warriors lock Tom Ryder — and the former Edinburgh, Gloucester and Glasgow fly half was impressed with the club’s influence in the community.

He told SportScene: “We need communities being happy and engaged with their local rugby clubs.

“Clydebank are doing that fantastically well and it is clear to see they have a great set-up here.

“Rugby gets kids active, it aids engagement within the club and brings a lot of fun and determination. The whole club ethos helps to prepare kids and young adults — and even the older club members.

“With the right foundations players can progress. In an ideal world that is the goal for those who want to become the top of the tree.” The RugbyForce initiative is designed to galvanise clubs’ current players, supporters, social members and volunteers and attract new ones for the year ahead.

And, Clydebank has been chosen as one of the 10 selected from a potential 147 which will see Scottish internationalists come along to participate in fun games, help with DIY work around the clubhouse and will also host their own barbecue as they seek to raise the profile of rugby clubs in the communities.

Each side had to put forward an application and according to Paterson, Clydebank’s entry clearly stood out from the rest of the field.

Paterson explained: “Clydebank’s application was fantastic and what they plan to do.

“Not only throughout the season but also the work of the development staff with the kids’ teams up and running and they just really bought into the concept — so I’ll be coming along here in August and there will be tournaments on, barbecues and fundays, really good atmosphere.

“Each club that applies for RBS RugbyForce has to tell the competition what they would do on the day with the resources and players which they would win, and Clydebank’s application stood out from the crowd.” Excitement is already growing with a bouncy castle and touch rugby on display during the announcement of Clydebank’s win, showing the younger backing the side receives in its junior sections. The kid’s, fully kitted out in Clydebank strips, were on hand to welcome the two stars to the clubhouse as they made their entrance.

David Smart of Clydebank Rugby Club, admitted he now can’t wait for August: “It’s terrific news that we’ll have a Scotland player helping out. These guys like getting stuck in so I’m sure we’ll find plenty for them to do, and knowing that an international is going to be there will broaden the appeal of our event as we promote it to the local community.” With the junior section set to benefit from the day, Paterson had some wise words for the club and kids as they embark on their own rugby adventure.

He added: “You have got to enjoy it, there is a lot of tough time in sport.

“We are competitive people but you don’t win every week and you have to train hard and you have to be disciplined, so work hard but most importantly, enjoy yourself.”