STRENGTH and conditioning is about to be taken to new levels at Gala Rugby following the opening of the club's refurbished gymnasium last week.

Former Maroons players, Gregor Townsend and Chris Paterson, took some time out from the Autumn International build up with South Africa to officially unveil the £35,000 refurbishment.

The Scotland head coach and the country's top points scorer of all time both started their careers at Netherdale.

And it is hoped the new facilities will help other aspiring youngsters to follow in their footsteps to the top of the game.

Ian Dalgleish, vice president of Gala RFC, welcomed the former international stars.

He told us: "The refurbishment has been applied to both floors of the gym and included a remodelling of the physical space, the addition of high quality, high impact gym flooring throughout and new lighting, heating and ventilation.

"In total over £35,000 has been invested in the gym to improve strength and conditioning of young players and the existing squads to help ensure the players have the ability to develop and improve themselves."

A large part of the funding required for the refurbishment came from BCCF Environmental.

And additional funding for some of the new gym equipment was provided by the SRU.

While the refurbishment work was ongoing the club's Junior Rugby Council also took the opportunity to invest in new boilers for the Hayward Pavilion showers.

During the official unveiling last Wednesday both Gregor and Chris were introduced recovering youngster Max Murray.

The primary six pupil recently broke his leg while scoring a try against Hawick.