SATURDAY is a landmark day with the first ever tier one international rugby game being played on an artificial surface and the first Scotland rugby fixture ever played in Ayrshire Scotland star, Gordon Reid, was at Rugby Park yesterday to help install the new rugby posts ahead of Scotland’s third, and final, viagogo Autumn Test Match against Tonga at the home of Kilmarnock FC.

The Glasgow Warriors player got to grips with the pitch alongside Scottish Rugby mascot, Lochie, and Kilmarnock FC mascot, Nutz, before helping fix in the new posts.

Speaking at Rugby Park, former Ayr player Gordon, said: “It’s great to be down in my local area and hopefully I’ll get a chance to play against Tonga in front of a home crowd. It would mean a lot to get on the pitch as the home support can give you that extra boost.

“We’ve got a mobile pack this year and some quick backs so I think the artificial surface will suit us and the fast flowing rugby we’re trying to play. It’s definitely going to be an exciting game and we’d love for the fans to head down to Rugby Park on Saturday and make as much noise as possible when cheering us on.” Tickets for Scotland vs Tonga start at £10 (free for under-12s*) and can be purchased at www.scottishrugby.org/tickets or through the Ticket Hotline on 0844 335 3933 (calls are charged at local rates).