School scores in a rugby first

The initiative, set up by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Rugby Union, kicked off on Monday and seeks to promote education in the sport amongst youngsters.

The School of Rugby project is directly funded by the Scottish Government Cashback fund which takes money from criminals and puts it back into communities. Pupils receive training in rugby to promote health and fitness as well as leadership and confidence.

St Maurice’s have become the first school in North Lanarkshire to take part in the initiative, which will also see the pupils teamed up with two pro rugby stars from the Glasgow Warriors.

Councillor Jim Logue, convener of learning and leisure at NLC said: “This is an exciting time for rugby in North Lanarkshire and St Maurice’s in particular.

“A vibrant rugby culture has developed within the school, encouraged by the hard work of our rugby development officer and the support of the local rugby club, Cumbernauld.”

Glasgow Warriors Centre, and Scotland international Rob Dewey said: “It’s massive for the school to get involved in rugby.

“Rugby gives the pupils different skills and responsibilities which they can use in the sport and later in life.

“It’s great to get kids playing rugby at a young age and hopefully the sport can benefit from it.”

The project has also been welcomed by pupils who are excited to be among the first involved in the initiative.

First year pupil Aidan O’Donnell, said: “It feels great to be involved in this and meet the players from the Warriors.

“I started playing when I was about four or five and I really think I can learn a lot from this and use these skills when I’m older.”