Rugby Development depart for Summer Roadshow

Scottish Rugby’s Development team will be embarking on a summer roadshow to the Caledonian North region this week, as five groups prepare to deliver a series of workshops and sessions at 24 clubs and schools.

The roadshow, which will take place from 5-8 June, will cover in the region of 1,500 miles and provides an opportunity to engage with clubs, schools and rugby communities throughout Caledonia North.

Chris Hildrey, Regional Director for Caledonia North Region, said, “The clubs and our partners have arranged some great activity around the region this week. Although there will be a bit of travelling between sessions, we look forward to embracing the region, recognising that is what our clubs, players and families do week in, week out.

“We’ve arranged for the Calcutta Cup to be with us and it will be on show at Deeside, Elgin Academy, The Gordon Schools, Rothes and finishing up at Highland on Friday night. The clubs and schools have gone above and beyond in helping us organise all of our events.”

Elements of the roadshow will include player and coach development workshops and an introduction to community rugby opportunities, such as Tartan Touch and youth 7s festivals.

The roadshow will culminate with the five groups congregating at Highland RFC where there will be a masterclass with coach, John Fletcher, who is well regarded as one of the most forward thinking and innovative coaches in his field.

“As a team we’re really looking forward to getting on the road and spending valuable time with our rugby communities.”
Chris Hildrey, Caledonia North Regional Director

Director of Rugby Development, Sheila Begbie MBE, will be part of the group that will visit Orkney and Shetland, along with Scottish Rugby President, Dee Bradbury and Scottish Rugby Council Member, Bob Richmond.

Ahead of the roadshow, Begbie said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us as a department to get out and about to our clubs and communities. It will allow us to see and listen first-hand to some of the unique elements and challenges our clubs face in the north of the country.

“This roadshow will give us a chance to say thank you for all the hard work that club members and volunteers put in to take part in the game of rugby and their contribution to the game.

“It is expected that this will become an annual event, focussing on different regions in Scotland, and where better to hold our first one than in some of the most scenic areas in the country.”