Edinburgh Rugby forwards Alan MacDonald and Jack Gilding were on hand to present the certificates and meet the graduates at a ceremony held in Murrayfield Stadium.

Scottish Rugby community project manager, Neil Carrie, said: “Our modern apprentices have made a major contribution to the growth of rugby in Scotland. 

“They are part of a network of development staff who, in the past year, have delivered the sport to over 103,000 primary school children and 21,000 secondary school pupils.

“Over the past two years these graduates have helped guarantee a healthy future for rugby in Scotland, with a 17% growth in the number of registered players achieved during that time.

“The apprenticeship is a fantastic option for those determined to pursue a career in rugby development, or who are looking for work experience and recognised qualifications to gain entry to college/university. So far 19 graduates have become development officers, working with clubs and local authorities in the community.”

Over the past two years the students undertook the nationally accredited (MA Level 3) course which combines specific units with recognised coaching and complementary qualifications; for instance UKCC, referee, first aid and child protection courses. This helps them to deliver and manage coaching programmes in the community.

During their time as a modern apprentice key duties include:

• managing a coaching programme for primary/secondary school aged children during and after school;
• establishing and managing relationships between schools and local clubs;
• managing the coaching and organisation of club youth programmes, rugby festivals and events;
• assisting and managing the administration of local rugby development and monitoring the growth of rugby in their allocated location;
• building and completing a portfolio for the Modern Apprentice award;
• and finally acting as a role model and ambassador for Scottish Rugby.

Modern Apprentice graduate, Ryan James, from Jedburgh said: “For the past two years I have been coaching school pupils from P3 up to under-16s and was lucky enough to coach the Jedburgh under-16s side to win the Brewin Dolphin bowl final.

“I’m now staying in Glasgow studying sports management and have been put in touch with some of the DOs up there.

“I really want to keep coaching and keep progressing up. I have been speaking to Cartha rugby club a lot and they are keen to get me involved with coaching.

“Two years ago I would have never have seen myself having the opportunities that I have had and that are before me.”

The 25 graduates are Ryan James, Andi Muir, Ross Peacock, Kyle Risk, Andrew Thorburn, Ross Angus, Duncan Hampton, Neil Leeson, Daniel Meadows, Michael Liness, Harley Ross, Clarke Smith, Greig Walker, Allan Wright, Ashley Manuel, Andrew Ainslie, Calum Ormiston, *Claire Allan, *Steven Meenagh, *Lewis Naphausen, *Stephen McDuff, *Christopher Torode, *David Tyre, *Marc Cattigan, *Gary McKenzie (*not in attendance).