Scottish Rugby continues to celebrate school activity with Saltire Energy Rugby Schools Week

To sign up and find out more, click HERE.

The programme, which was first launched in 2021, has since engaged more than 70,000 pupils across over 600 state schools in rugby activity.

This year, the programme will look to celebrate and promote both new and existing rugby activity within the state school environment through a multidimensional approach of educational resource, in-person support and marketing activity.

Ahead of the week-long activity, Scottish Rugby will be providing refreshed and enhanced resources for teachers and volunteers within the school environment.

Alongside Scottish Rugby’s six School Rugby Officers, whose roles are aligned to working with schools to develop pathways and programmes for both curriculum-based and extra-curricular rugby, Scottish Rugby’s network of Development Officers will also engage with local schools to help plan and deliver activity throughout the week with the aim of increasing playing opportunities for pupils.

As an ongoing and sustainable commitment to help girls engage in sport and physical activity, there will once again be a committed focus on creating opportunities for girls in primary and secondary school to enjoy participating in rugby, whether as a player, coach or match official.

Players in action from Schools across Morayshire and the Highlands at 2023 Saltire Energy Rugby Schools Week.

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

Speaking on the programme, Director of Rugby Development, Gavin Scott, said: “Saltire Energy Rugby Schools week is a cornerstone in the season calendar in our strategic approach to support rugby communities deliver a thriving and vibrant state school game.

“The quality and variety of playing and training opportunities within state school settings has a significant influence on people’s lifelong engagement in rugby. We strongly believe that our week-long celebration of the game goes a long way to help retain and grow that engagement as we build tangible connections to local rugby clubs, support teachers to learn more about the sport and its many benefits, and importantly give pupils a chance to actively participate – whether it be classroom based, touch rugby or contact.”

Mike Logie, CEO of Saltire Energy, said: “We are delighted to once again support Scottish Rugby through the Saltire Energy Rugby Schools Week. Engaging and supporting young people and teachers is more important than ever – the goal of Saltire Energy Rugby Schools Week is to see young people reignite their passion and enjoyment of the sport.

“We want to make rugby inclusive and accessible to all young people throughout Scotland and support the growth of the youth game that has been achieved since the launch in 2021.

“We wish all those taking part a fantastic week – whether you are playing or teaching, we hope you will love rugby as much as we do by the end of the week!”