The Scottish Government has announced that a total of £3.65m recovered from the proceeds of crime is to be invested in Scottish rugby clubs over the next three years.

Scottish Rugby is planning to allocate £2.4m towards the national network of jointly-funded development staff, who provide playing and coaching opportunities across the country. The remaining £1.25m will be earmarked for local rugby clubs with a record of growing the game at all levels to apply for grants towards new and improved facilities.

Sportscotland will administer the £1.25m fund, which will provide grants of up to £50,000. Priority will be given the schemes benefiting young people. Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "This investment will go right to the heart of the game's grass roots and will make sure we are better placed to get more young people involved."