Bell Lawrie White, a Scottish-based investment management company, will continue its sponsorship of Scottish schools rugby for at least another year. The company, which backs the Scottish Schools Cup and Plate competitions, has committed itself for next season and has an option on a third year.
A record 56 schools took part in the regional rounds of this season’s Cup competition - the final was between Merchiston Castle School and George Watson’s College at Murrayfield on Wednesday - and 32 teams went through to the first round of the national competition.
It is the 18th year of the competition and the Scottish Rugby Union hopes that in the future most schools in Scotland will enter.
“It is a very exciting prospect that the Scottish Schools Cup will flourish over the coming years,” says Colin Thomson, the SRU’s age grade development manager.
“Not only are schools being funded to take part, all schools that have taken part have received branded sports equipment for use in their own school rugby programme.
“In the long term, it is hoped that the partnership will foster a love of the game that will lead youngsters to continue to participate in the sport throughout their whole lives.”
