Fife is to play host to a charity rugby sevens tournament in aid of the Fijian cyclone relief effort this weekend.
Saturday will see military and civilian teams from across Scotland and northern England descend on Leuchars Station to take part in the fundraiser, which is being co-ordinated by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
And organisers hope as many people as possible will turn out to watch the action from 11am to help swell the charity coffers.
Cyclone Winston hit Fiji on February 7 and was the largest storm on record to hit the archipelago.
Fijians are a big part of the regimental community, with many of the 30-plus Fijians in the regiment losing a great deal in the disaster, and all those taking part hope to raise awareness of what has happened in the country.
Tpr Sokia, a soldier in the regiment and army sevens player whose home was destroyed by the cyclone, said of the tournament: “Having been back to Fiji since that cyclone it was horrible to see the damage that was caused.
“It is very humbling to see the effort being put in by our regiment to support us and our families, and to help us rebuild.”
As well as the history of serving in the British army, Fijians have also added a great deal to army and regimental rugby.
Lance Corporal Semesa Rokoduguni is one example of this talent – a Royal Scots Dragoon Guards soldier who as well as having served in Afghanistan is an integral part of the Bath Rugby first team.
In addition to witnessing some high class rugby and being able to support an important cause, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards who moved into Leuchars from Germany several months ago.
Indeed, one half Leuchars Station of was renamed Waterloo Lines by Her Majesty the Queen earlier this year in recognition of the regiment’s illustrious past.
Captain Ali MacLaurin, who is the regimental rugby captain, is keen to rally as much support for the cause as possible.
He said: “Sevens is a large part of both the Scottish and Fijian communities and is becoming an Olympic sport, so getting a lot more attention.
“This will be a great day to support the rugby community as a whole and we would love to see as many people as possible at the event.”
Doors open to the public at Leuchars Station from 10.30am and all are invited to go along and support the worthy cause.
