Club rugby is struggling in many places across Scotland with dwindling participation numbers and shrinking attendances.
But there are plenty of organisations where positive steps are being taken to encourage men and women, boys and girls, to pick up a ball and spread the sport’s appeal.
And now, a new series on BBC ALBA, called Thar na Loidhne (Crossing the Line), will follow the exploits of up-and- coming rugby players in Scotland and Ireland as they strive for glory in their local communities, whether on the mainland or the islands.
Five programmes, starting on Monday, March 2, will cover every aspect of the game from grassroots to professional level through the highs of winning, the training, injuries and the road to recovery, and the heartbreak of defeat.
Seumas Mactaggart, who produced the series, said: “Scotland has played a huge part in the history of rugby since the birth of the game in the 19th century.
“Today, the fast-paced game is played worldwide and has grown in popularity, particularly in the last 20 years, and in areas you’d least expect.
“This series asks what motivates players to pick up the oval ball? Crossing the Line provides a fascinating insight into the world of rugby with some of Scotland and Ireland’s most dedicated and devoted players from local and regional teams.”
Viewers will meet players from the Stornoway Ladies Rugby Team and their coach Angus ‘Bubble’ MacKay as they begin their maiden season playing in the Caledonia North League, capturing the build-up and excitement to their first home game.
In later episodes, the women embark on a lengthy journey to take part in a season-defining game against Huntly and prepare for a gruelling tussle against the Orkney Dragons in Kirkwall in the Northern Isles.
The series reveals how Irish players deal with injuries and prepare for important fictures and viewers meet Conor McMenamin, a boy from Donegal who is aiming high, and see him and Joe Dunleavy fight for a place on the Ulster senior team.
Viewers will also find out how Connemara man and well-known rugby player, Colm de Buitléar, is now influencing the younger generation in his homeland.
The clubs featured in the programmes are all committed to the game and ensuring it thrives in the future. Elite players might now strive for professional contracts, but the vast majority of participants do it for the love of it.
Thar na Loidhne (Crossing the Line) will be on from 8.30pm to 9pm on BBC ALBA on Monday, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.
