THE FUTURE is bright at Dunfermline Rugby Club and two of their younger age groups will play for national glory this weekend.

The club’s under-15 (pictured) and under-16 boys’ teams will travel north to Aberdeen on Sunday to participate in the Saltire Energy Caledonia Cup, the largest youth rugby finals day in the country.

Hosted by Scottish Rugby and Sport Aberdeen at Sheddocksley Playing Fields, a total of 30 teams from across the Caledonia region will take part, having competed in a series of regional leagues, followed by cup, shield and bowl knockout rounds.

A total of 24 boys’ , and six girls’, teams will be involved and Dunfermline will hope to bring two pieces of silverware home to McKane Park.

The under-15s will play in the plate final, against Moray/Huntly, at 1.45pm, which will be followed 30 minutes later by the under-16s, who play local rivals Kirkcaldy in the bowl final.

Kevin Storie, Dunfermline Rugby Club’s president, said: “The competition has been running since after Christmas, and they’ve had two or three months of qualifying groups, quarter-finals and semi-finals.

“We generally get at least one team to the finals each year but, over the last couple of years, the competition has been wiped (due to COVID-19 restrictions).

“It’s good for both teams. They’ve very much looking looking forward to it and are in high spirits. The under-16s have a local derby away from home, which is a bit weird, but they had a good win in the semi-final.

“They’ve both played good rugby to get there.”

As an added treat, those taking part will have the chance to see the Calcutta Cup, which Scotland’s senior men retained this year courtesy of a Murrayfield victory over England in the Six Nations, when it is displayed within the main marquee.

Vicky Cox, Scottish Rugby’s competitions and compliance manager, commented: “The Caledonia Youth Finals Day promises to be another exciting event in the Scottish Rugby calendar.

“We’re delighted to continue supporting our Caledonia clubs and communities to access a long-standing and meaningful competition that encourages participation and opportunities for players from across this unique and vibrant region.”

Meanwhile, the club also hosted a successful Primary 7 festival on Sunday at McKane Park.

Winners Dundee Eagles joined two teams each from Dunfermline (pictured below) and Melrose, and others from Kinross, Falkirk and Kirkcaldy, to enjoy a day of competition, a disco dome and a barbecue and after-party, hosted by Martin Sutherland, of The Rumblingwell, with presentations made by first XV captain Cammy Dunn.

Dunfermline Press: