A FLEDGLING Finnish rugby team has been given a boost in the form of a set of shirts, donated by Thornbury Rugby Club.
Mark Roper, a former junior player with Thornbury Rugby Club, moved to the city of Tampere three years ago and is now chairman of the city's club. The weather takes its toll on kit, and the club's shirts were damaged beyond repair last season, and shortage of funds meant there wasn't enough cash to buy a new set.
"I mentioned our plight to Thornbury Rugby Club last year and on my last visit at Christmas they donated an old set of shirts for our club in Finland, which we have now used in a Snow Rugby Tournament," said Mark.
"Our club has around 40 members, and we hope to have two teams this year," he added.
"There are eight clubs in Finland with around 350 members, and also a National team.
"Although the numbers are small, the game's popularity is growing with around a 20 per cent increase in numbers each season."
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