Giant Ayr lock, Damien Kelly, joined playing representatives from the three Scottish teams (Ayr, Gael Force and Heriot’s) entering the inaugural British and Irish Cup to kick-start their drive for local support.

The British and Irish Cup is the only opportunity to see cross-border club rugby in November and the players were quick to call on rugby fans from across their rugby regions to back the teams as they take on the English Championship and back-up Magners League sides, including league champions Munster and Heineken Cup champions Leinster.

Ayr qualified as wnners of Scottish Hydro Premier One

Kelly said: “The Ayr support is fantastic but the British and Irish Cup presents a great opportunity to introduce new people to Millbrae. It’s important that we get a good crowd to help spur us on in this very competitive competition.

“We’re representing club rugby in the west of Scotland so hopefully the greater Glasgow rugby community and the Glasgow Warriors supporters will come out in force to cheer us on.

Ayr qualified for the competition as winners of Scottish Hydro Premier One and welcome English Championship outfit Rotherham Titans to Millbrae on Friday 27 November, kick-off 8pm.

SCOTTISH POOLS

SCOTTISH TEAM’S FULL POOL FIXTURE LIST FOR THE BRITISH & IRISH CUP

- AYR - 
Sunday 22 November – Doncaster Knights v Ayr, Castle Park (kick-off 2pm)
Friday 27 November – Ayr v Rotherham Titans, Millbrae (kick-off 8pm)
Saturday 13 February– Ayr v Birmingham & Solihull, Milbrae (kick-off 4pm)
Saturday 27 February – Ayr v Pontypridd, Millbrae (kick-off 3pm)
Saturday 6 March – Cardiff v Ayr, Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 2.30pm)

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE BRITISH AND IRISH CUP FIXTURES