March 2009

Scotland Internationals Coach Drummond Community High School

Graeme MorrisonXlerate with xl pupils from Drummond Community High School were treated to a guest coaching session by Scotland internationalists as part of the RBS RugbyLink programme in early March.

Scotland and Glasgow Warriors players, John Barclay and Graeme Morrison, led Tag Rugby sessions and gave Drummond Community High School pupils advice on playing the game and the importance of healthy eating and getting regular exercise.

John Barclay, Graeme Morrison and xl pupilsThe school team at Drummond Community High School is one of ten schools taking part in the xlerate with xl Tag-Rugby programme which offers an introduction to rugby through multiple Tag-Rugby sessions, access to top level players, educational materials, as well as coaching from Scottish Rugby staff on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

The pupils also experienced the thrill of the game first hand last Saturday as they joined the crowds at Murrayfield to cheer on the national squad as Scotland beat Italy 26-6 in the RBS 6 Nations.

John Barclay and xl pupilsJohn Barclay said: “Sessions like today are great to be a part of. What young people can learn through playing rugby can often be taken off the pitch as well and applied to other areas of their life away from the game, and the RBS RugbyLink scheme really helps to highlight that.”

Graeme Morrison added: “It’s brilliant to see so many kids here today enjoying rugby – especially as many have never had first-hand experience of playing the game. And you never know, if they take a shine to it, with enough dedication and the right support, any one of them could become a future Scotland star. So it’s really rewarding for us to be able to help them on their way.”