Stars of the future spotted in Shawlands

Former GHA winger Rory Hughes, now a Scotland sevens player, visited the southside school ahead of the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s at Scotstoun Stadium on May 4 and 5.

Some 17 pupils, involved with the Scottish government’s CashBack for Communities Schools of Rugby programme, were treated to a rugby session delivered by southsider Rory, a former pupil at King’s Park high.

Hughes schooled the youngsters on basic two on one — “beat the man” — drills and handling skills, and answered questions about his experience on the HSBC Sevens World Series.

The 19-year-old sportsman told The Extra: “There were some really talented players in this group. Their skills are good and they have a lot of potential.

“It’s great to see the hard work the development officers and coaches are doing in this area.

“Having grown up nearby I had to find rugby for myself and there weren’t these opportunities — so I’ve really enjoyed coming along and teaching these guys about rugby sevens.”

Rugby coach at the school, Robbie Renwick, said: “Having a professional sevens player come in to coach the kids is highly motivational for them and with Rory being local, it gives them someone to aspire to.

“The schools of rugby programme at Shawlands Academy is going really well and the players’ skills have come on immensely in the past year, also their behaviour has improved and they have a really good attitude to school life now.

“They’re doing really well in their games to. They’re in the semi-final of the emerging schools cup and we’re really hoping they’ll go on and win it.”

Last year, pupils at the school received a visit from the South Africa sevens squad.

Tickets for the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s tournament, the eighth leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series, are on sale now from £15 per day. All concessions are at half the adult price.

Tickets will be sold for particular stands and designated days, with two-day ‘weekend’ tickets also available.

Tickets can also be purchased at Scotstoun Stadium and Scotstoun Leisure Centre and the SECC near Glasgow’s city centre or through their booking site www.ticketsoup.com.

For more information on the tournament and for the latest news on Scotland 7s visit www.glasgow7s.com