During the September instalment of Scottish Ruby Schools Week, 287 schools signed up to participate, with nearly a quarter delivering new or rekindling their rugby activity.

To meet the challenges presented by Covid-19, the programme was largely delivered digitally, with teachers offering practical and classrooms-based rugby activities based on resources provided by Scottish Rugby.

This year, the 2022 Scottish Rugby Schools Week programme will provide equipment, in-person and digital support to schools on a national and regional basis.

Support to participating schools will include:

• Education Pack with an introduction to rugby, game activity cards, curriculum activities for the classroom and player welfare concussion awareness digital poster
• Webinars to watch on-demand via Scottishrugby.org expanding on areas of the game
• Rugby balls and promotional materials.

All resources have been designed specifically to enable schools to facilitate rugby activity to any age group, irrelevant of playing and coaching experience, and in-line with the Curriculum for Excellence.

Planned schools’ events including festivals of rugby and training sessions with local rugby clubs and Development Officers will also be delivered.

Last year, 101 schools across the country engaged with a local club Development Officer, and it is hoped the continued collaboration between these groups will see a strengthening in relationships and partnerships between schools and rugby clubs moving forward.

Gavin Scott, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development said: “I’m really pleased that Scottish Rugby Schools Week, supported by Saltire Energy, is back for 2022, and I’m looking forward to working with schools and clubs to build on the success from the inaugural programme.

“The easing of Covid-19 restrictions means that this year, members of the Rugby Development department will be able to offer tailored, in-person support to schools over the course of the week and support them to build relationships with local clubs and Development Officers.

“The programme also allows more young people to enjoy the benefits of rugby and promotes wellbeing through an inclusive sport where there is a place for everyone, no matter their gender, ability or level of fitness.

“It is my hope that Scottish Rugby Schools Week will become a cornerstone of schools rugby in Scotland as we develop a holistic model to grow the game in educational settings.”

The programme is once again supported by Saltire Energy, a leading rental specialist in oil and gas equipment to the global energy sector.

Mike Loggie, Chief Executive of Saltire Energy said: “Saltire Energy is delighted to once again be supporting the next generation of young Scottish players through our partnership with Scottish Rugby Schools Week.

“Engaging the future players of rugby, especially following the challenging times of the pandemic, is more important than ever and the part that sport plays in our lives is vital to this. Saltire Energy takes huge pride in supporting Scottish Rugby and being part of the community that benefits from this fantastic sport.”

For more information about Scottish Rugby Schools Week supported by Saltire Energy, click HERE.