And the initiative, which is also being backed by the British Heart Foundation, is being praised by a young Scottish cardiac arrest survivor, who owes his life to his rugby club team-mates and the pioneering fund-raising his club undertook to buy a defibrillator.

For Hamish Bell, now aged 23, working for an offshore supply company in Aberdeen, the message is simple.

“Let’s get behind Scottish Rugby and this amazing charity Hearts + Balls. Let’s support their initiative and allow for all rugby clubs in Scotland to have access to at least one defibrillator and the chance to learn CPR.  It will prove a life-saver.”

From research that Scottish Rugby has undertaken over the last three years, which is currently being updated, it is estimated that around 30 clubs do not always have access to a defibrillator, a machine which can shock the heart to restart a normal rhythm.

Dr Karen Barclay, Rugby Development Welfare Manager at Scottish Rugby, said: “We want to inspire rugby and the wider Scottish community to learn how to save lives.

“We are encouraged by the number of rugby club members who take our First Responders’ Course and have learned the techniques to do CPR should someone suffer a cardiac arrest.

“We know that that early intervention does save lives. And we know that clubs who have also invested in a defibrillator can restore the precious gift of life to individuals and their families. Hamish is living proof of that.”

Dr Karen Barclay, Rugby Development Welfare Manager at Scottish Rugby and Hugh Dan MacLennan, Chair of Hearts + Balls Charitable Trust.

Hearts + Balls, a charity set up in 1999, with the aim of “helping rugby help its own,” is celebrating its 25^th anniversary and is making a contribution of up to £25,000 to fund the greater uptake of defibrillators in Scotland’s rugby clubs.

Hugh Dan MacLennan, Chair of Hearts + Balls Charitable Trust, said: “Hearts + Balls Charitable Trust is delighted to be involved in this partnership with Scottish Rugby and British Heart Foundation to support clubs with grant funding that will enable the purchase of an AED (defibrillator) and necessary equipment.

“Our focus as a charity has been on helping players living with life-changing injuries sustained while playing.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of also dealing with wider health-related issues and injury prevention, along with the overall well-being of people involved in the game at all levels.

“We have had direct involvement with families who had have significant experience of cardiac arrest in rugby and we very much appreciate fund-raising efforts which have been initiated to help us with this vital work.”

In Scottish Rugby’s most recent research, clubs have indicated they would wish to fundraise to enhance the overall provision of defibrillators, so under this initiative they can make a contribution to the cost of the defibrillators, which are being provided at a discount rate by the British Heart Foundation.

Gavin Scott, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development, added: “Several clubs are also keen to register their defibrillator on the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Circuit, which means that Ambulance control rooms know when a club is open, and that defibrillator would be accessible to a member of the public should a cardiac arrest occur nearby that club.

“That puts a whole new definition of a rugby club being at the heart of its community and we are pledged to work with our clubs to increase both the number of defibrillators but also those being registered on the Circuit.”

British Heart Foundation have welcomed the initiative.

David McColgan, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “It is brilliant to partner with Hearts + Balls and Scottish Rugby to highlight the importance  of learning CPR and having a publicly accessible defibrillator in communities across Scotland.

“Rugby clubs are often at the heart of our communities and by leading the way with this initiative,  they will undoubtedly save lives in the future.”

Details on how clubs can apply to Scottish Rugby for a defibrillator and equipment in which to store it, will be sent to all clubs later this month.

Clubs who already have a defibrillator could apply for a second portable device to boost their care provision.

Former Blairgowrie wing/full-back, Hamish Bell, champions greater provision of defibrillators within Scotland’s rugby clubs.

He said: “I’m 23 now.  When I was 20, back in June 2021, I suffered a sudden cardiac arrest when training at my local rugby club, Blairgowrie.

“Medics said without the quick-thinking of my team-mates and the use of a defibrillator, I would have likely died.

“The charity, Hearts & Balls, like me, wants every rugby club in Scotland to have access to this vital piece of equipment. It will save a life, and it will save your team-mates.

“Defibrillators need to be accessible, close-by, clearly visible and always around.  Whether wall-mounted or portable, this equipment should be considered part of every kit-bag, just like cones, balls or shirts.  Defibrillators should never be forgotten.

“Let’s remember that CPR is also important. It’s able to be done by anyone. Clubs should dedicate some time to learn this life-saving technique.

“Scottish Rugby has a course that can be taken for free on its website. It’s called the First Responders’ Course, and I’d encourage anyone to have a look at this.

“Let’s get behind Scottish Rugby and this amazing charity, Hearts & Balls. Let’s support their initiative and allow for all rugby clubs in Scotland to have access to at least one defibrillator and the chance to learn CPR.  It will prove a lifesaver.

“To reiterate the importance of a defibrillator, my Blairgowrie Rugby Club family and the defibrillator used that day has allowed me to accomplish and experience many achievements, which could have been taken away from me and also my family.  Thank you everyone.”

Hamish now plans to do his own bit to support Hearts + Balls.

“I plan to get myself fit to climb the three highest mountains in Scotland next summer, Ben Nevis, Ben Macdui and Braeriach, to raise some money for Hearts + Balls and give something back for what I’ve been able to achieve over the last three years, including graduating from University and getting a full-time job.”

Scotland’s sports minister Maree Todd commended the project.  She said: “I welcome Scottish Rugby and Hearts + Balls’ partnership and congratulate them on their commitment to place defibrillators in rugby clubs across Scotland.

“We will continue to work as part of the Save a Life for Scotland Partnership to increase survival and address inequalities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes (OHCA).

“This includes increasing the percentage of OHCAs which have a defibrillator applied before the ambulance service arrives, from 8% to 20%.

“We support the registration of all defibrillators on The Circuit so that the Scottish Ambulance Service call handlers can direct people to them in incidents of cardiac arrest.”

Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland lock Sam Skinner said: “As professional players we receive tremendous care and attention from our medical and physio teams.

“Hearing Hamish’s story is a salutary reminder of how we all have the capacity to learn real life-saving skills and be there at a time of need for our team-mates or for a member of the community.

“I’d certainly encourage all clubs to take up this initiative and ensure that they have access to at least one defibrillator.”

You can access Scottish Rugby’s free First Responder Course HERE.