ROSYTH SHARKS are hopeful of building on the "excitement in rugby" when they open their doors to remember a late former player.

The 15th Stevie Bell Memorial Day, which the Harley Street club host every year in honour of their ex-squad member who passed away from a heart attack, takes place next weekend and organisers are confident it will be "bigger and better" than last year.

Since the sun shone on the event 12 months ago, the club have enjoyed an increase in people interested in taking up the sport, while their first XV were celebrating in January after winning the Tennent's Caledonia Midlands Three championship.

Stuart Bailey, the Sharks' social and fundraising director, believes that success both on and off the pitch have worked hand-in-hand to raise the club's profile, and is confident the memorial day on April 27 will do so again.

"Last year was a good day. You just want everyone to turn up, and I hope we can emulate that this year," he said.

"It's massive and I think it had a good snowball effect. We had more interest from people looking to come and play rugby; there was an influx over the Christmas period, which helped us get more people on the park, and for us to get promotion.

"Within rugby generally, there is a good buzz, and with the Scottish national team. Yes, they've not won every game, but they beat England last year and retained the Calcutta Cup with an exciting draw.

"People are excited and curious about it, and it's brilliant to see that excitement in rugby. It goes hand-in-hand as people want to give it a go.

"Long may it continue."

Four teams – the Sharks, the 'Port Bellies' (over-35s), Falkirk Thirds and Howe Crusaders – will take to the field for this year's event, while there will be entertainment for both kids and adults alike throughout the day.

Stuart added: "I played alongside Stevie, and his wife Linda, is one of the nicest people I've ever met.

"To make it a really special, family day is to say thank you to them, and it now feels like there's an essence of what it's supposed to mean."

The day begins at 11am - which a minute's silence preceding the start of the matches at noon - and entertainment includes a bouncy castle, face painting, coconut shy, toy and sweet stalls, Build-a-Bear, food stalls and a disco from 4pm.

For more details, visit the club's Facebook page.