Over the course of the week, rugby will reach school communities across the country from Hawick to Kirkwall, Castle Douglas to the Isle of Benbecula and many more locations in between.

Some 623 state schools (primary and secondary) have signed up to participate this week, with 50 percent* of those schools’ delivering rugby for the first time in at least over 12-months.

In the September 2021 instalment of the programme, more than 16,000 pupils, boys and girls, from 287 schools engaged with rugby, meaning the 2022 edition sees the number of schools involved more than doubled.

Planned schools’ events including festivals of rugby and training sessions with local rugby clubs and Development Officers will also be delivered throughout the week.

To support schools, Scottish Rugby has provided equipment and learning resources to all participating schools which have been designed specifically to enable schools to facilitate rugby activity in any age group, irrelevant of playing and coaching experience, and in-line with the Curriculum for Excellence.

Moreover, Scottish Rugby will be supporting schools on a regional and national basis with in-person support to help with delivery of activity and help build teachers’ confidence and skills in delivering rugby.

Gavin Scott, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development, said: “It is our vision to see all schools in Scotland able to enjoy delivering safe and fun rugby sessions as a key part of the curriculum, with visible links into the club game. Scottish Rugby Schools Week plays a huge part in supporting our goal.

“The easing of Covid-19 restrictions also means that this year, members of the Rugby Development department will be able to offer tailored, in-person support to schools over the course of the week and support them to build relationships with local clubs and Development Officers.

“The programme also allows more young people to enjoy the benefits of rugby and promotes wellbeing through an inclusive sport where there is a place for everyone, no matter their gender, ability or level of fitness.

“It is my hope that Scottish Rugby Schools Week will become a cornerstone of schools rugby in Scotland as we develop a holistic model to grow the game in educational settings.”

The programme is once again supported by Saltire Energy, a leading rental specialist in oil and gas equipment to the global energy sector.

Mike Loggie, Chief Executive of Saltire Energy, said: “Saltire Energy is delighted to once again be supporting the next generation of young Scottish players through our partnership with Scottish Rugby Schools Week.Engaging the future players of rugby, especially following the challenging times of the pandemic, is more important than ever and the part that sport plays in our lives is vital to this.Saltire Energy takes huge pride in supporting Scottish Rugby and being part of the community that benefits from this fantastic sport.”