Rugby players and Armed Forces heroes today (30 September) officially launched the 2010 Poppyscotland Hearts & Heroes Challenge, which will take place on Saturday 15 May.

Simon Cross, captain of Edinburgh Rugby joined soldiers from 2 SCOTS  at Murrayfield to call for teams to take part in the 29-mile walking or running challenge across the Southern Upland Way.

Simon Cross, Edinburgh Rugby club captain, whose family has a long history of military service and Rory Hutton, Scotland 7s Internationalist and National Academy player, were joined by soldiers from 2 SCOTS (Royal Highland Fusiliers) at Murrayfield to call for teams to take part in the 29-mile walking or running challenge across the Southern Upland Way.

At the launch today the top fundraising team Horsetiger was presented with The Martin Currie Cup after raising a fantastic £6,738.70.

Ian McGregor, Chief Executive of Poppyscotland, explained that organisers were aiming even higher for 2010: “The 2009 event brought together the Armed Forces and rugby communities for a day of competition and camaraderie. We want to build on this for 2010 so that participants can enjoy the day and raise vital funds to make a difference to the lives of veterans and injured rugby players.”

Jim Littlefair, Chairman of Hearts & Balls, emphasised why the event is important to the charity: “Rugby brings pleasure and a sense of community to millions of people but sometimes it can bring tragedy, through serious and life-changing injuries. This event provides an excellent opportunity for the rugby community to support its own and be actively involved in supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces heroes.”