IRVINE Rugby Club has donated parcels to North Ayrshire Foodbank to help those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The club recently organised a drop-off session at Irvine Community Sports Club where members of the public could leave their donations.

Players and members were on hand to collect the food parcels before donating them to the foodbank which will help the most vulnerable in North Ayrshire.

Club secretary Jim O’Neill said: “Our collection for the foodbank went very well and there was a lot of food donated which was great to see.

“Earlier this year we did a collection with members only but this time we opened it up to the public which was a great success and we collected almost double what we did last time.

“The use of foodbanks is sharply rising during the coronavirus pandemic so we as a community club were happy to play our bit and help those who are struggling.”

Mr O’Neill was recently elected to the Scottish Rugby Council which monitors and oversees the operation of the Scottish Rugby Board and will represent the west region clubs.

He said: “I am delighted to have been elected to this role 10 years after my last term.

“The most immediate issue that we are facing as a sport is how we get people playing rugby again amid the coronavirus outbreak and ensure we protect the safety of our players.

“That will be my priority.”

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