RUGBY players did their bit to support troops fighting abroad.

Wootton Bassett Rugby Club took on the Bielefield Barbarians – a British Army team based at a garrison in Germany.

The match, at the Wootton Bassett team’s ground on Saturday, was part of a series of matches involving the Bielefield Barbarians aimed at raising money for Help for Heroes.

The day raised £1,000 through proceeds from match programmes sold, sales of Help for Heroes’ merchandise and an auction.

Unfortunately Wootton Bassett lost 19-66 despite no fewer than 35 substitutions.

The two teams came together in the clubhouse afterwards for a celebration where the British Army team – the majority of whom are Fijians – did the traditional haka dance used by the Fiji rugby team before matches start.

The Bielefield Barbarians also took time to go to the war memorial in Wootton Bassett High Street during their trip to pay their respects to the many servicemen who had passed the spot as part of their repatriation.

Roger Harries, secretary of Wootton Bassett Rugby Club, said it was a good match and the local team played well despite facing opposition including those who play for the full army team.

He said: “Everyone in the party has lost comrades or friends during the recent conflicts.

“They contacted us saying that because of the close ties the town has with the repatriations it was their way of saying thank you very much for that close relationship.”