Scottish Gas Rugby Festival

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 21: School children take part in the Scottish Rugby Festival during a Scottish Rugby Centenary Celebration event of Scottish Gas Murrayfield at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on March 21, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group)

Scottish Rugby is worked with Principal Partner, Scottish Gas to invite more than 200 S1 (12-13 yr old) children from all regions of the country. Each school chosen had strong links to rugby clubs that have been supported by the Club and Community Net Zero Fund.

Learn more about the Scottish Gas Club and Community Net Zero Fund.

The lucky children got the opportunity to play mini matches on the international pitch, enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the stadium to learn about the history of the campus and its future, and compared themselves to the Scotland stars of today with fun gym-based activities.

The Rugby Festival, supported by Scottish Gas, was a celebration of young people, community rugby and a showcase of the future of the game.

James Corcoran, Head of Brand Partnerships at Scottish Gas, said: “Scottish Gas is incredibly proud to support the future of Scottish rugby through this special Rugby Festival at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

“As we celebrate 100 years of this iconic stadium, it’s inspiring to see legends of the past and the rising stars of tomorrow come together on the same pitch.

“This event is not just about honouring the history of the game, but also about investing in its future – giving young players a unique experience that could spark a lifelong passion for rugby.

“We’re excited to play our part in ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to step onto this famous turf, just as so many greats have before them.”

Scottish Rugby’s East Area Director, David Drummond, said: “We always wanted to ensure that children across the country could share our celebrations for the Centenary of Scottish Gas Murrayfield and thanks to Scottish Gas, we have made that happen.

“It was important to us that we made sure that this was an event open to all corners of our country and I am delighted that we have achieved this.”

The schools who took part come from the six Rugby Development regions – Caledonia Midlands, Caledonia North, Borders & East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian & West Lothian, Glasgow North, and Glasgow South.

The festival ran alongside a Parade of Legends to kick off the day, as well as a retrospective refereeing capping ceremony and a celebration of the community game with the Community Recognition Awards.

David continued, saying: “We’re thrilled to be inviting 36 Community Recognition Award winners to Scottish Gas Murrayfield as well, to ensure we recognise the enormous contribution of volunteers to our great game.

“Between the Scottish Gas Rugby Festival and the Community Recognition Awards, this really is a celebration of the best parts of the rugby community.” Visit our Murrayfield100 page on the Scottish Rugby website for more information about the centenary celebrations for Scotland’s largest stadium, Scottish Gas Murrayfield.