The programme, which is considered a stepping stone in identifying future Scottish talent, aims to support identified players in the girls’ and boys’ youth game by providing additional training and playing opportunities to develop core rugby skills, and game understanding for nominated U16 and U18 girls and U15 boys.

Across the five regions – Caledonia Midlands, Caledonia North, Glasgow North, Glasgow South and the East – 27 hubs will be in operation during April and May this year.

The programme will be delivered by Scottish Rugby’s Rugby Development regional teams with sessions led by qualified and experienced coaches.

On the announcement, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Game Development Neil Graham, said: “The Player Development Hub programme offers a fantastic opportunity for nominated players to challenge themselves in a different environment and hone their skills with support from specialist coaches.

“Scottish Rugby is always looking to discover and develop the next generation of Scotland talent, and the Player Development Hub programme is an important avenue in identifying local talent for the future.”

“Whilst the programme may be a first step for young players to access future performance programmes, the priority aim is to develop their skills and game understanding at a key age and stage in their rugby journey for the primary benefit of the club and school game in Scotland.”
Neil Graham

“After being unable to deliver these development opportunities last season, we are really looking forward to getting the programme up and running again to reward aspiring girls and boys with the opportunity to improve their skills and challenge themselves in a different environment.”

Alongside the programme’s training sessions and festivals, coach and parent workshops will be delivered to support the player development process.

Graham added: “We believe it’s important that the programme also supports coaches and parents of nominated players. Coaching workshops will be attached to sessions throughout the programme to support their CPD, and our colleagues will guide parents throughout the process, to help them understand how best to support their son or daughter.”

The nomination process for the PDH programme is now open via SCRUMS (Scottish Rugby’s player management system) for registered coaches to put forward players.

All players must meet the eligibility criteria which focuses on mental, physical, technical and tactical considerations. Applications close on Sunday 6 March.

More information can be found, HERE.