IT'S hoped that the damage to Rosyth Rugby Club will be repaired in two months as donations to the fire-hit premises approached £9,000.

The committee of Rosyth Sharks will be using the funds to replace the gym area of the clubhouse, which is also used by other community groups, and was worst hit by the deliberate fire on March 9.

Rosyth Sharks have had a long-term lease on the Fife Council-owned Harley Street building so the council will be responsible for making sure the place is in a habitable state again.

Rugby clubs and community well-wishers from across the region have pulled together to raise the incredible sum after president Ben Morris warned that it could be the “final nail in the coffin” following a year of closures.

Ben said: "We're looking at a timeline of six to eight weeks to get repairs done.

"Fife Council will be taking care of the building and we're looking to replace the internals.

"We've not been able to get in yet and we're waiting for the insurance company to get all the details they need first.

"We're concentrating efforts on replacing the gym but we do not want more than we need so any surplus will be passed forward to someone else in need.

"We obviously love the club but there are more important things than a building in the current climate."

Although Rosyth Sharks have said they're working towards a two-month timeline, the council say that a full assessment of the works required and costs is under way and until that's complete, it won't be possible to know how long the work will take.

Fire crews rushed to the clubhouse in the early hours of March 9 as flames engulfed the building.

No-one was injured and later that afternoon, police confirmed that two teenagers, aged 13 and 14, had been charged with wilful fireraising in connection with the incident.

The community rallied to the cause by supporting a crowdfunding page.

Ben added: "When we first set up the page we had a target of £1,000 and then we just had to keep increasing it.

"When Edinburgh Rugby Club got involved, they encouraged us to set it at £10,000 as all their players asked people to help.

"Inverkeithing Masonic Lodge have given us a cheque for £500 and local company Cally Developments have been superb.

"Not only have they donated the crowdfunding, they've also offered their services and any materials we need for the repair.

"We're really touched by all of this generosity and so many people have reached out as the club means a lot to people."