Scottish Rugby has launched a bold new initiative to spark children’s interest in the game — and schools across the country will play a central role in making it a success.
The campaign, which begins this week, is built around a two-pronged approach. First, it engages children between P7 and S4 (roughly ages 8–14) with content that shows rugby as fun, inclusive, and open to everyone. Second, it speaks directly to the adults who influence them — parents, carers, and teachers — by sharing real stories of how rugby enriches young lives through friendship, resilience, fitness, and belonging.
For schools that already specialise in rugby, the campaign provides a boost of national momentum. Many of these schools have long served as hubs where young players can discover the game in a safe, structured environment, before progressing into clubs and academies. By aligning with Scottish Rugby’s messaging, schools have an even stronger opportunity to introduce pupils to rugby without barriers or intimidation.
The most visible part of the campaign will be more than 30 “Turn Up and Play” events held across Scotland in the coming months. Delivered by regional development officers, these sessions are about stripping rugby back to what matters most — enjoyment, friendship, and trying something new. For pupils who haven’t yet picked up a ball, they offer a first taste of rugby without pressure.
Hazel Swankie, Club Rugby Board president, said:
“We’re really excited about working with more schools than ever to run fun, safe rugby programmes where kids can give the game a go, make friends, and build new skills. The aim of the game here is to ignite the interest of the next generation of players, the next Francesca McGhie, the next Finn Russell, and ultimately continue to build our great game in Scotland.”
Director of Rugby Development, Gav Scott, added:
“Growing the game in all corners of Scotland is one of our core goals in Rugby Development, and this new campaign is a new and exciting way of us doing that. In a way, we’re testing the waters here with an audience we rarely speak with, and I really look forward to see how the Turn Up and Play initiatives resonate with this younger generation.”
Why Schools Matter
The campaign’s timing is crucial. With more schools across Scotland embedding rugby into their sporting culture, the next generation of players is already in the making. Initiatives like this provide fresh energy and resources, helping schools inspire those who might never have considered rugby as their sport.
If Scotland is to continue producing world-class talent, from Russell to McGhie and beyond, it begins with making sure every child has a chance to fall in love with rugby at school level.
More information on Turn Up and Play events can be found here.