EAST Ayrshire hosts a history-making international rugby match tomorrow between Scotland and Tonga.

As well as being the first time a rugby game of such stature is played in Ayrshire, an international has never been played on a full synthetic pitch before.

Cumnock's Mark Bennett is unfortunately injured and will miss the chance to play on home territory.

The match is taking place at Kilmarnock FC's Rugby Park, appropriately, and East Ayrshire Provost visited the ground today (Friday) during Scotland's Captain's Run.

Held before each international match, it features a full training session led by the team captain, and the provost was there to welcome the Scotland squad.

He said: "I was absolutely delighted to welcome the Scotland team to Rugby Park and East Ayrshire.

"We have a strong rugby presence in Ayrshire, Cumnock lad Mark Bennett was called up to play his first international against Argentina. Unfortunately he was injured against New Zealand and is missing the Tonga game, which is disappointing because I know he would have been given a hero’s welcome in front of his home crowd.

“I was pleased to meet some of the players from the local schools of rugby too, especially our players from Grange Academy in Kilmarnock and Cumnock Academy. "

"The schools of rugby have been incredibly successful to date, and I hope that there will be future success as we continue to work with the Scottish Rugby Union on developing this partnership model in more schools within East Ayrshire”