Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Scotland and our rugby fans are some of the most passionate in the world. There are different forms of rugby; Union is the most popular in Scotland but it is also possible to get involved in Rugby League.
National Teams
Keen to get out and support Scotland against some of the world’s top teams?
Union: The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) offers discounts for young people and students at the national stadium in Murrayfield, Edinburgh. Keep an eye out for what games are on and maybe you too could join the cheering crowds. For up-to-date info on the youth, men and women's international matches go to the SRU website
Get involved
If you’re eager to get down from the stands and put on your boots, there are loads of opportunities for you to get involved in playing rugby union. Most secondary schools offer rugby as part of their PE lessons so you can have a go and see if you like it. It could start off as enjoying tag rugby, or touch rugby, and then in to the full contact game.
If you don’t fancy trying out for the team at school, or your school doesn't offer rugby, then it’s worth getting in touch with a club near you. You may not want to play the game competitively, but it is a great way of keeping fit and making new friends. There are lots of clubs around Scotland, and they’d love to hear from you. You can ask your PE teacher, check your local newspapers, or contact the Scottish Rugby Union using the contacts on their website.
Women’s Rugby
Girls are getting into the scrum too. There are women’s rugby union clubs in Scotland, and girls over 16 who’re keen to have a bash are welcome to play in their senior teams. A few clubs also have youth teams for those under 16, but it's worth noting that female rugby in schools is growing more popular and is expected to increase.
If you’re keen to try being a tight head prop or scrum half, the Scottish Women's Rugby Union (SWRU) can help you find a club near you. The SWRU also runs monthly development days and tournaments for young players at all levels – from never-played-before to fairly experienced.
For more info take a look at the SWRU website or contact the SWRU Youth Co-ordinator by emailing youthrugby@swru.org.uk.
Rugby 7s
Rugby 7s is a form of rugby that originated in Melrose in the Scottish Borders. Although most of the rules are pretty much the same as rugby union there are some differences. Mainly that there are only 7 players instead of 15 and that the match is much shorter - there are two 7 minute halves with a one minute half-time break.
Matches are played on full sized rugby pitches which means players have more room. Games are generally very fast and require an extremely high level of fitness. The best rugby 7s players tend to be fast and skillful.
7s games and tournaments are popular at all levels of rugby. There are several international tournaments all over the world throughout the summer months and club tournaments, like the Melrose 7s, still attract huge crowds and teams from all over the world take part.
If you play rugby for a club or school there may be opportunities for you to play 7s.
Commonwealth Games
Rugby 7s is a Commonwealth Sport and is even becoming an Olympic sport in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games. New Zealand have won all 4 Commonwealth Games Rugby 7s medals since its introduction as an event. For more information visit the Glasgow 2014 website.
Social