“We are delighted to be part of this initiative and we already see the benefits in the personal and social development of the young people who are part of our School of Rugby.".
 
The CashBack for Communities funded programme will offer a catalyst to motivate and develop some of Scotland’s young people. It will also aim to create an environment where sport makes a significant contribution to the delivery of “A Curriculum for Excellence,” playing a central role in the life of the school.
 
Jim McLaren, Chairman of Quality Meat Scotland said: “There is a real synergy between farming and rugby, particularly a sense of pride and determination to be undaunted by the elements.
 
“Our sponsorship builds on Quality Meat Scotland’s existing health and education programme which involves sporting heroes who will inspire young people to get involved.
 
“Eating well is a very important part of achieving optimum fitness and we are delighted to be involved in promoting good health and fitness within Scottish schools.
 
“QMS already has a strong association with rugby as three former Scotland international living legends, David Sole, John Jeffrey and Rob Wainwright farm in Scotland producing Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and specially selected Pork from animals that have spent their whole lives being raised to some of the world’s highest standards through the QMS Assurance scheme.”
 
Scottish Rugby’s Head of Community Rugby, Colin Thomson said: “Scottish Rugby believes that school sport plays an important role in the education of youngsters.
 
“Through the Schools of Rugby initiative we aim to develop youngsters into confident and competent individuals, showing the positive impact sport has on them and on the school communities they come from.
 
“So far we have established partnerships with 17 schools in Scotland, all of varying playing levels, who have committed to establishing and developing this initiative in their school community.
 
“We believe passionately that, by working with the education sector and the selected schools, we will demonstrate the educational benefits of rugby to young people and their communities.”
 
The initiative will provide a context for learning inside and outside of the classroom, allowing all pupils to experience rugby, and improve their fitness and physical literacy. This in turn will contribute to an enhanced educational experience in each of the participating schools.
 
Each School of Rugby will be supported with a package of resources, enabling more staff to deliver a thriving rugby programme across the school including a focused curricular programme for a number of S1 pupils.