CLYDEBANK Rugby Club welcomed political powers from across the Atlantic and a Scotland rugby international last week as they opened their doors to the Canadian minister for sport, the Scottish justice secretary and rugby star Alex Dunbar.

The honourable Bal Gosal and Kenny McAskill were joined by Donald Macleod, president of the SRU, when they attended the club to have a look at the progress that has made under the Cashback for Communities project last Wednesday.

Also in attendance was Warrior Dunbar — the Scotland internationalist mingled with the members of the club before getting involved in the action.

The club has benefited from the initiative since 2008 which helps people in the area progress through the means of sport — including investment in rugby development.

Mick Finnegan, rugby development officer at the club, told SportScene of his plans: “Clydebank is football mad but in my role it is my job to get more people in the area interested in rugby.

“I don’t come from a rugby background but the sport has had a massive impact on my life.

“I want to replicate that and I want to get the youngsters playing rugby. There are some fabulous athletes in this area who don’t play but if they tried they could be fantastic.” The Canadian minister added: “I was impressed with the impact the community cashback scheme has had in Scotland.”