Scottish Rugby’s Rugby Development teams will be facilitating the programme for both primary and secondary schools from today (Monday 20 September) with a blend of digital and in-person support.

Of the 234 schools signed up to participate, nearly a quarter will be delivering new or rekindling rugby activity.

To meet the challenges presented by covid-19, the programme will largely be delivered digitally to support teachers to offer practical and classrooms-based rugby activities, and includes:

• Education Pack with an introduction to rugby, game activity cards, curriculum activities for the classroom and player welfare concussion awareness digital poster.
• Regionally delivered webinars on an ‘Introduction to Rugby’ to provide all school leads knowledge and confidence to deliver activity in their school, plus daily webinars to watch on-demand via Scottishrugby.org expanding on areas of the game.

The digital resources have been designed specifically to enable schools to facilitate rugby activity to any age group, irrelevant of playing and coaching experience.

A handful events including festivals of rugby and training sessions with local rugby clubs and Development Officers will be delivered where local authorities allow external engagements and school-mixing. It is hoped these events will strengthen relationships and partnerships between schools and rugby clubs moving forward.

Gavin Scott, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development said: “Whilst the last year has been tough for everyone, it has been especially so for young people. Sport plays a vital role in the mental and physical wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities.

“It is our hope that Scottish Rugby Schools Week will support the wellbeing of those involved and allow more young people to enjoy the benefits of rugby. It is an inclusive sport where there is a place for everyone, no matter their gender, ability or level of fitness.

“I am really encouraged by the number of schools taking part, especially those who will be introducing rugby to pupils for the first time. Whilst we had previously hoped to deliver more activities in person, the support on offer is an excellent stepping-stone into the game.”

The programme is 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 takes huge pride in supporting Scottish Rugby, whose core values are fundamental to all that we stand for. We are therefore very excited to be backing the next generation of young Scottish players through our partnership with Scottish Rugby Schools Week.

“We can never underestimate the part that sport plays in our lives; its ability to motivate and empower are astonishing. We are immensely proud to be supporting Scottish Rugby Schools Week and encouraging the sustainable growth of youth rugby.”

For further information and to view and download our teacher resource packs below, visit our Scottish Rugby School Week page.