Rugby Development conclude Summer Roadshow

Around 1,500 people participated in the various activities provided by Rugby Development and delivered by our clubs and partners, while many more were provided the opportunity to see the famous Calcutta Cup.

Director of Rugby Development, Sheila Begbie MBE said, “It was a fantastic and productive couple of days away for our team. It helped us express our gratitude to our clubs and schools in Caledonia North for their significant contribution to the game and to further develop our relationships with clubs and volunteers, schools and local authorities, enabling us to get a better understanding of their issues and needs.

“We also had the chance to identify the areas that require additional support in helping clubs become sustainable going forward. It was a historic first roadshow and we are already looking forward to our next one.

“The value that rugby clubs bring in these areas is clear to see, not just recreationally but as a way of life and is deeply rooted in the history within our Scottish communities.”

There were a range of ages who engaged in the Roadshow, with the youngest participant of the trip being just four years of age and the eldest 105.

Over 80 people braved the wet weather for a Tartan Touch session in Deeside and were joined by members of Tri Rugby and the Caledonia Clan.

Scottish Rugby staff were met by 48 participants at Laxdale and Stornoway, while good discussions were had at Aberdeen Wanderers and Kemnay Academy around girls and boys Age Grade Law Variations.

In Kirkwall and Lerwick, Scottish Rugby President Dee Bradbury and Council Representative, Bob Richmond were part of the group who visited Orkney and Shetland rugby clubs to see and hear about island life and the significance of rugby in the area. There were trips to Papdale school and the staff were treated to a meeting with the South mainland Jarl.

There was a slight delay to one of the local bus services in the Aberdeen area on Thursday as the driver spotted members of the team with the Calcutta Cup, and subsequently pulled over for a quick photo opportunity with the trophy.

Elsewhere, there were sessions in Moray at Gordon Schools, Speyside and Huntly.

Inverness was the venue for the conclusion of the Roadshow with a Coaching Masterclass with John Fletcher at Highland as 63 coaches and players attended the session.

At the close of the Roadshow, Caledonia North Regional Director, Chris Hildrey said, “We’re really pleased that the Summer Roadshow has been a success. The warmth of welcome from all the clubs involved was amazing and the positive spirit helped make it a valuable experience for all involved.

“Our team has worked extremely hard to deliver so many activities in a condensed period of time, but the opportunity gave us the chance to listen to the issues the clubs and schools face.”

“We really enjoyed raising the visibility and exposing our staff to the exciting range of rugby environments in the Caledonia North region.”