Scottish Rugby launches fun, simple and social rugby

Scottish Rugby has launched a new version of non-contact rugby to encourage fun, simple and social participation in the sport across the country. Tartan Touch, a game for everyone, is designed to provide a simplified version of rugby with an aim to attract players of all abilities and ages who are looking to improve their fitness through simple and social activity. The game consists of eight simple rules and is available to play now at 20 Tartan Touch hubs across Scotland, where two ambassadors will host regular sessions throughout the summer months with the help of volunteers. The hubs will provide sessions for people who are discovering rugby for the first time or who have previous experience of the sport with the aim to bring people together to enjoy the benefits of rugby. The sessions will be structured to coordinate with the demands of modern lifestyles and will therefore provide flexibility for all seeking to participate. Clubs across Scotland were contacted to bid for a chance to host Tartan Touch for the 2017/18 season, with clubs selected through their applications.In the West, Hamilton, Annan, Stewartry, Ardrossan and Biggar will be set-up as Tartan Touch hubs, while Kelso, Melrose, Gala, Preston Lodge and Peebles will service the Borders and East Lothian. Stirling County, Aberdeenshire, Deeside, Perthshire and Moray have been selected as hubs in the Caledonia region with Lismore, Currie, Penicuik, Linlithgow and Leith covering the central belt of Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian. Keith Russell, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Domestic Rugby, said: “Tartan Touch is an exciting new version of the game and is accessible across the country for anyone looking to get involved with non-contact rugby. The social and physical benefits of playing sport are demonstrated through the simplicity of Tartan Touch as Scottish Rugby seeks to provide people with wider opportunities to get active and enjoy playing the game. It will also give our clubs another tool to further engage with their local community.” Al Kellock, former Scotland international and current Scottish Rugby Ambassador, said: “If you are looking for a fun and simple way to make new friends, then Tartan Touch is the perfect opportunity. “Even if you have never played rugby before, the eight simple rules will have you playing in no time. Rugby is the best sport in the world, it brings people together and keeps them active and it really is a game for everyone.WATCH the eight simple rules in action and to find out more about the benefits of playing Tartan Touch, please click here. For more information about Tartan Touch, please visit tartantouch.org and @Tartan_Touch for the latest updates. Each Tartan Touch session costs£3 with a£20 summer pass currently on offer for a limited time.