A six-week rugby programme, which allowed pupils to watch an international game and chat to Scottish players, has been a resounding success, claim the organisers.

The initiative, run by The Prince’s Trust and Scottish Rugby, involved around 120 pupils from 10 Scottish schools. It aimed to boost self-esteem, social skills and motivation among young people at risk of academic underachievement, by encouraging them to engage in the sport and teaching them that skills gained from playing rugby can be transferred to everyday life.

Pupils took part in a coaching programme, then played in a rugby tournament with the other participating schools. The experience culminated with a tour of Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh and the chance to quiz Scotland players Ross Ford and Simon Webster in a question-and-answer session within the stadium grounds.

Nick Rennie, Scottish Rugby’s partnership manager, said: “We’re delighted to have had the opportunity over the last couple of months to introduce a host of young people in areas not traditionally associated with the game, with the climax of the programme happening here at the home of Scottish Rugby.”

Since the RBS 6 Nations Tag-Rugby Project launched in 2004, more than 1,000 young people have been helped through RBS 6 Nations and The Prince’s Trust.

www.rbs6nations.comrugbylink.