A CHARITY which provides support for injured rugby players is on course to hit its £100,000 target.

Hearts+Balls will also host a celebration in Glasgow to thank players, clubs, businesses and supporters for raising more than £50,000 already this year.

Stuart Hogg kickstarted the campaign by gifting his time at his hometown club Hawick.

The Scotland full-back donated an afternoon of kicking lessons at his old stomping ground, which provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young players to get pointers from one of the best in the business, in return for a donation.

Hogg himself had a miserable end to his Glasgow Warriors career when a controversial tackle from Rob Kearney crooked him in last month’s PRO14 final.

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This is just one reason the new Exeter Chiefs star appreciates the need for financial help for those who have left the game but still bear the scars of participation.

The celebration will take place at Balgray Playing Fields on June 29.

Former Scotland international and BBC broadcaster John Beattie, whose rugby career was cut short because of a knee injury, will provide the entertainment for the night as he turns up with his band.

Hearts + Balls ambassador Jim Taylor, who was paralysed after he suffered a broken neck when a scrummage collapsed in a game in 1978 against Old Aloysians, said: “The support the charity gives to injured players is absolutely life changing - I can speak from experience.

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“On behalf of the charity, I would like to say a huge thanks to every single person who has donated, rowed, ran or done anything whatsoever to support. Their efforts will inspire us to surpass six figures this year – knowing our supporters, I wouldn’t bet against us.

“Last year’s event, which marked 40 years since my injury, was a tremendous success and I can’t wait to catch up with everyone as we welcome back supporters to Balgray for the second time.”

Tickets for the event are available via Eventbrite here.