“Schools of Rugby”, supported by Scottish Rugby and local clubs Kilmarnock and Cumnock RFC, will see the new intake of S1 pupils to Cumnock and Grange Academies given the opportunity to participate in an enhanced curriculum timetable which combines the sessions with in-class activity structured specifically to develop the social, academic and sporting abilities of the participants.

The programme supports the Scottish Rugby Long Term Player Development Strategy with pupils participating in a variety of national development themes from catching and passing to lifestyle management and nutrition.

Councillor Reid, the leader of East Ayrshire Council, believes that such a programme will not only produce excellent rugby players but will, more importantly, develop positive attitudes among pupils in the schools.

He said: “I am delighted that East Ayrshire Council is the first local authority in Scotland to be delivering this exciting programme. Not only will it develop excellent rugby players but it will also help promote the benefits of physical activity.”

The news comes hot on the heels of an announcement by Scottish Rugby that that the steady recovery of extra-curricular state school rugby was key to the sport’s consistently increasing popularity.

The number of schools regularly playing the game rise from 184 in 2008 to over 240 in 2010, thanks in part to a successful state school specific programme ran in partnership with the Scottish Widows Bank which rewards and supports school staff who give up their time to take extra-curricular rugby while providing increasing amounts of free training kit to the school as the sport develops.

The burgeoning uptake in state schools, particularly S1-S3, is crucial to the rise in the number of people playing the game at all levels where there are now 25,000 under 18 players playing regular rugby compared to 15,000 just four years ago.

Neil Carrie, community projects manager for Scottish Rugby, agreed:  “Scottish Rugby firmly believes that sport can play a powerful role in providing the catalyst to improve the quality of life for young people in communities across Scotland.

“Sport can play a huge roll in the development of young people, teaching respect, self-confidence, motivation, discipline and determination, while binding social communities and offering a sense of belonging.

“We look forward to supporting this pilot and helping more young people enjoy all of these benefits.”

The positive partnerships that East Ayrshire Council has with Cumnock and Kilmarnock RFC have been crucial in developing the Schools of Rugby.

Both clubs view its involvement in the funding and delivery as essential to the future of youth rugby in the region and believe it provides an excellent opportunity to develop their profile within the local community.

Alex Dunsmuir, club president at Cumnock, said: “The club is delighted to be part of this programme and sees it as a key component in the continuation of rugby.

“Our club has a long standing history of involvement with local primary schools and the opportunity to be directly involved with Cumnock Academy is a progression which we are keen to support.”

SVQ community coach at Kilmarnock, Stevie Edwards, agreed: “This is an exciting time for all involved and is a wonderful opportunity for a strong link to be formed between the club and the school.

“We hope that those taking part will also attend the club, providing a positive template for others to follow.”