Scottish Rugby today highlighted the importance of building solid links between school and club rugby at the launch of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup in North Berwick.

Held on the town’s esplanade, to recognise the efforts of last season’s highest placed state school, Head of Community Rugby Colin Thomson pointed to North Berwick High School’s approach to rugby and joined-up thinking as an example of best practice.

“Teamwork in all corners of the country between rugby clubs and schools supported by Scottish Rugby and Local Authorities is the key to maximising the opportunities to play rugby,” said Thomson. 

“Through the national club development officer network we continue to work, in partnership, to develop and strengthen these links as they are fundamental to providing avenues for hundreds of young people to experience this great game.” 

Head of P.E. – and the man in charge of Rugby at North Berwick High School – Ronnie Jeffries, paid tribute to his local club for their part in his school’s success. 

“Our system at the school is basically an extension of the education ethos. We try to involve as many of the teachers in the team as possible, using rugby as a means to enrich the boys’ development and use the philosophy of coaching and encouragement in and out of the classroom,” said Jeffries. 

“Working together is the key to our success. We benefit from a great minis section at the local rugby club and the help of parent’s who have completed Scottish Rugby coaching courses. We also have a great relationship with Telford College in Edinburgh which allows us to offer the boys a strength and conditioning programme.” 

Last season Fettes College edged out Stewart’s Melville College in a dramatic nine-try under-18 final (39-28) to lift the silverware for the first time in the school’s history in front of a raucous 5152 crowd. 

Duncan Harrison, Head of Rugby at the College, said: “Winning the competition last year was massive. There was a real buzz around the school before, during and after the final – it was unbelievable, it really galvanized the school. 

“There’s a lot of excitement among the players already as we’re in pre-season just now but the minute the Cup draw goes up on the notice board interest and anticipation will jump up across the school.” 

Glasgow Warriors full-back Peter Horne was part of the last Schools’ Cup winning state school when he lifted the trophy with Bell Baxter in 2007. 

Like North Berwick, the working relationship between his former school, Bell Baxter, and club, Howe of Fife, is becoming increasingly regarded in Scottish rugby as a winning formula. 

“As a player, it really helps if your club and school have a close working relationship as it means that you’re playing regular rugby with your best friends which is great for the team morale,” said Horne. 

“The focus to perform in the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup and the combined support of both my club and school encouraged me to work harder on my game and think seriously about making rugby my career. 

“If the young players involved in this season’s competition apply themselves, regardless of what school they go to, then they could make strides towards age-grade and professional rugby or, within a couple years, play for the Scotland team like John Barclay did just three years after lifting the trophy.” 

Over 230 teams will compete in this year’s competition with 18 new schools taking part for the first time. 

Marc Wilkinson, senior divisional director at Brewin Dolphin, added: “We are encouraged to see yet more schools have signed up to take part in the tournament for the first time. The feedback we receive from teachers, parents and participants is always hugely positive and we’re also delighted that so many schools sign up year after year.  It’s a great opportunity for teams to play against schools they might not otherwise face.  

“This is our ninth year as title sponsors, previously as Bell Lawrie, and each year there is a great deal of excitement in all our offices as the tournament kicks off.  And when it comes to finals night, seeing the lively crowd in the national stadium, is very special.” 

Following the 2009 Scottish Rugby Union AGM, where clubs voted for the introduction of an integrated schools and club competition, rugby in Scotland is set to be the subject of much discussion over the coming months. 

Thomson added: “Notwithstanding contractual obligations to Brewin Dolphin in relation to the Schools’ Cup, the national club season structure framework has been agreed by rugby clubs and the school fixtures, including Cup entries, have been set for 09/10. 

“There are in excess of 600 clubs and schools with whom a consultation process is already underway. This will continue up to the Christmas period with the view to implement an agreed structure in 2010/2011”. 

The final of both the under-15 and under-18 Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools’ Cup will be held on the international pitch at Murrayfield on Wednesday 20 January 2010.