Saltire Energy Rugby Schools Week 2026
Saltire Energy Rugby Schools Week launched in 2021 with the aim to increase school and youth rugby across Scotland while strengthening the vital links between clubs and schools.
Now entering its sixth year, the programme has helped engage pupils in state schools across the country, with 20,100 pupils taking part across 191 schools in 2025. The increasing participation numbers reflect the growing appetite for rugby within Scottish schools and the strength of the partnerships supporting it.
Saltire Energy Rugby Schools Week provides a unique opportunity to spotlight the schools, teachers, club development officers, volunteers and activities driving the growth of the game. Backed by the support of Scottish Rugby’s development teams and detailed educational resources, they are equipped with the tools they need to deliver high-quality, inclusive rugby experiences within schools.
This year, Saltire Energy Rugby Schools Week takes place between 23 and 27 March.
Throughout the academic year, as part of Scottish Rugby’s State School Strategy, rugby is delivered in182 secondary schools, all in partnership with their local rugby club and the club development officer network. This structure helps ensure consistent standards, meaningful development opportunities for pupils, and long-term, sustainable relationships between schools and community clubs.
Increasing the number and diversity of pupils engaged through rugby remains a core focus. This is being achieved by targeted support to over 60 schools in SIMD 1-4. Dedicated schools and development officers work closely with all state schools to offer training opportunities aligned with the State School Strategy to build safe, thriving and vibrant communities.
The programme is further strengthened by a network of 246 School Rugby Champions engaged throughout Scotland who work with Scottish Rugby to ensure pupils get the most out of the rugby opportunities in their school, and raise the profile of the sport
While over 70,000 pupils have engaged in Schools Week activities to date, this has helped facilitate 14,484 male and female players registering with their school and the opportunity to play the sport on a more regular basis. A number that continues to grow year on year, helping over 1,000 state school fixtures to be played this year.
Mike Loggie, CEO of Saltire Energy, said: “Saltire Energy is proud to support Scottish Rugby Schools Week. Since launching in 2021, the initiative has engaged tens of thousands of pupils and in 2025 welcomed an incredible 20,100 young people from across Scotland.
“With the Guinness Men’s Six Nations now underway, and following outstanding wins over England and Wales, it’s the perfect time to inspire the next generation. We strongly believe in the power of sport to motivate, empower and bring young people together. Our goal is to help bolster a love for rugby, ensuring the game remains inclusive, accessible and continues to grow across Scotland.
“Whether you’re playing or teaching for the first time, returning to the game, or simply joining in the fun, we hope you enjoy the week!”
