Gunners working on a new defence strategy.. sunscreen

THEY are known for their toughness and refusal to flinch in even the most bone-crunching tackles.

However, many rugby players have been failing to take seriously the dangers of leaving their skin unprotected in the sun.

Now, in a bid to keep players with Edinburgh Gunners safe from the sun's damaging rays, bottles of factor 30 sunscreen are to be provided in the changing rooms.

The Magners League side have teamed up with experts at sk:n to make sure they avoid sunburn.

Captain Allister Hogg said: "Even though you wouldn't naturally associate Scotland with scorching weather, it was hammered home how important it is to wear high-factor sunscreen.

"Not only does it damage your skin in the long term, there's nothing worse than getting burnt and having to do contact sessions."

Jane Lewis, dermatological nurse and development director at sk:n, said: "If the damage is done early the effects are much worse."