Sports and Outdoor Education Unit
City of Edinburgh Council
New Parliament House
Building 1, Room 5
5 - 7 Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH7 5BL
Tel: 0131 550 6838
Fax: 0131 556 4254
Rugby is a fast and exciting sport that is thriving in Edinburgh. There are many programmes running across the city that aim to introduce the sport to new players, help existing players improve their skills and create a pathway for the most talented to maximise their potential. All of the programmes have a big emphasis on fun. There is also an extensive Coach Education programme that offers support to all levels of coaches.
In order to help promote rugby activity in the City, The Children and Families Department employs a full-time Rugby Development Officer, jointly funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Rugby Union. The Development Officer works with key partners to develop rugby throughout the city and the main areas of work are P6/P7 boys and girls in primary schools and also targeting S1 and S2 in secondary schools. The Development Officer also works closely with the Edinburgh Pathways system for the most talented players as well as having a focus on club development and coach/teacher education.
Some of the programmes on offer include:
TAG rugby is a non-contact form of Rugby. Cluster after-school clubs, that both boys and girls can attend, are run regularly where the clusters come together to play against each other. All of these clubs have close links with established Rugby Clubs, should the kids want to move on and try contact rugby.
There are 10-a-side contact rugby competitions for 1st years. The schools initially compete in local competitions against the other schools in their area with the best performing schools invited to the city wide finals at the end of the season.
The City Development team run the Schools 7's series which takes place at the end of the regular season, with separate events for S1,S2 and S3. Points are awarded for participation and placing, with the winners of the series taking home the trophy!
The Pathways programme is designed to identify and develop potential rugby players at S2, Under 15 and Under 16 levels. Clubs and schools can nominate players to attend a variety of coaching sessions and then the competition phase sets in. This programme acts as a stepping stone towards the Edinburgh Integrated Under-16 competition and also leads into the national age grade set up.
Pro Team Rugby Coaching Camp - 3 day programmes.
See the Rugby Coaching Camp leaflet and application form (1.2MB)
Further information on any of the mentioned programmes or any general enquiries regarding rugby in your school, club or area can be made to the Rugby Development Officer.
Rugby Development Officer, City of Edinburgh Council
New Parliament House
Building One, Room 2
5 - 7 Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH7 5BL
Ph: 0131 550 6812
Fax: 0131 550 6821
Mobile: 07799 860106