Tartan Touch expands with record number of hubs for 2019

It will be the biggest-ever year, with an extra 14 clubs successful set to run the modified version of the game.

The clubs for 2019 range across the country from Annan to Stornoway, with the number of participants increasing by 38% from 2017 to the 2018 season.

Last year saw a variety of age groups participate in the sport, with the ages ranging from under 12’s all the way to 69 years old, 30% of whom were women and girls.

Scottish Rugby Director of Rugby Development Sheila Begbie said, “It’s really pleasing to see more clubs than ever before taking part in our Tartan Touch programme. Our healthy numbers show that clubs taking part are keen to return year after year, while others have seen the benefit of becoming a hub and have come on board for the season ahead.

“For us, Tartan Touch is an excellent way for clubs to improve on their sustainability and can be a useful way to not only to provide a social experience for new and existing members, but also become a welcome source of revenue for the clubs.

“We’re looking forward to working with all 44 clubs throughout 2019 and once again seeing a successful year for Tartan Touch.”

Dalkeith rugby club are one of the Tartan Touch hubs participating for the first time.

Stevie Halliday, Club President said, “We come from an area with quite a lot of poverty so getting involved in the Tartan Touch programme was a no-brainer for us.

“Our playing numbers are quite good but we think this provides some key-exercise for other folk in our area. We want to become more of a community club and this would be an opportunity to show that there is more to us than just rugby.”

From the 2,500 participants that took part in 2018, 72% rated their experience at the hubs as 5 out of 5, with the average score of 4.6.

All hubs are provided with playing equipment, balls, banners, marketing materials and advice on promoting their hub to encourage the local community to get involved.

Tartan Touch Hubs 2019

Annan, Ardrossan Accies, Berwick*, Biggar, Caithness*, Carnoustie High School*, Cartha Queen’s Park*, Currie Chieftains, Dalkeith*, Deeside, Dunbar*, Dundee HSFP*, Dunfermline*, East Kilbride*, Gala, Glasgow Hutchesons Aloysians*, Greenock Wanderers*, Haddington, Hamilton, Hillhead Jordanhill, Howe of Fife*, Jed Thistle*, Kinross*, Kirkcaldy*, Leith, Linlithgow, Lismore, Marr*, Moray, Oban Lorne*, Paisley, Panmure*, Penicuik, Perthshire, Portobello*, Shetland, Stirling County, Stornoway*, Strathaven*, Strathendrick, Strathmore, Uddingston*, Waysiders Drumpellier*, Whitecraigs.

*New Tartan Touch hubs