Scottish Rugby Youth Panel to have their say in Schools & Youth programmes

Scottish Rugby has today named the first members of its Youth Panel after a host of candidates submitted YouTube video applications for an online selection process.The panel is made up of 16 individuals aged between 14 and 20, who are currently, or have been, involved with rugby on and off the pitch.There are eight females and eight males on the panel, who form a wide geographical representation of Scotland.The panel held their inaugural meeting at BT Murrayfield today, where Rio 7’s silver medallist, Mark Robertson, Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby’s Alasdair Dickinson, Scotland Women player Claire Bain, Hagen Schulte and Scott Cummings from Glasgow Warriors, and Scotland’s record points scorer and Scottish Rugby Ambassador Chris Paterson were all on hand to offer their rugby knowledge.Scottish Rugby’s Head of Schools and Youth, Colin Thomson, and Head of Women’s and Girls’, Sheila Begbie, were also present.The Youth Panel will act as a voice for young people within Scottish Rugby and will enable members of the panel to inform the implementation and development of Schools and Youth programmes.Scottish Rugby’s Head of Schools and Youth, Colin Thomson, said: “The Youth Panel will provide young people across Scotland with an opportunity to be heard and influence decisions which affect them.It is key that young people’s voices are heard and the opinions of this group will be available to the key decision makers within the Union, as we plan, implement and review programmes across our Schools and Youth operations.”Seven members hail from the West, sportscotland Young Ambassador Eve Irving (15) from Annan, Aidan Fitzgerald (16), a player/coach at the High School of Glasgow, Zoe Toner (15) from Greenfaulds High School who plays for Hillhead Jordanhill.Logan Cameron (14) from Bannerman High School and out-half for Uddington Rugby Club, Christina McFadyen (16), a player/coach for Oban High School, Robbie Renwick (14) an under-15 captain for both Jordanhill School and Glasgow Hawks, and Ewan McHenry (14), a rugby enthusiast who also turns out for Hawks.From the capital, Charlie Philips (14), a back-row specialist from George Watson’s College, Catherine McNie (15), a BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy player from the Royal High School who also plays for Murrayfield Wanderers, Jordan Smith (15), a player/referee from Ross High School, and Olivia Harris (15), a BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy player from Lasswade High School and Murrayfield Wanderers RFC.Further North, four members originate from the Caledonia region, Vicki Dunnet (14) from Canisbay who plays for Caithness RFC, Finlay Lennox (15), a player/coach/referee from Robert Gordon’s College and Aberdeen Grammar RFC, Niamh Proctor (16), a player/coach from Stirling County RFC and Ruth Easton (15), a player/referee from Falkirk High School and Falkirk Rugby Club.Ruairidh Campbell (18) represents the Borders and plays for Melrose. A history and politics student at the University of Glasgow, Ruairidh is also a key member of the Borders Referee Society.In addition to representing their views, the panel will be provided with opportunities to develop new skills, build their rugby network and bolster their CV when working towards a future career.The panel will also receive expert advice from Scottish Rugby staff and selected external representatives where appropriate.The 16 members will meet up to three times a year, with each young person serving for a term of two years with a chairperson appointed by a majority vote from all members.