Scottish Building Society hosted Scotland’s first inclusive rugby festival, with Edinburgh Rugby Inclusive Team (ERIT) being crowned the tournament’s first ever champion.
The event which saw nearly 100 participants from across Scotland compete from the four teams- Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team, Strathmore Clan, Fife Clan and Ayrshire Clan.
The round-robin tournament was played ahead of Edinburgh Rugby’s match with Scarlets in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
All players from the tournament took part in a lap of honour at half-time before the winning side was presented with a trophy by Scottish Building Society, Chief Executive Officer, Paul Denton.
Inclusive Rugby involves both able-bodied players and those with a physical or learning disability, playing in one unified outfit.
It is hoped the Scottish Building Society Festival will encourage others to get involved in rugby, showing regardless of ability, there is room for everyone in this sport.
Mr Denton said: “Our partnership with Edinburgh Rugby is about far more than the professional players on the pitch. Rugby is a sport for everyone and using our platform we wanted to create opportunities to make the game more accessible and inspire others to get involved.
“It was an honour to meet the teams and seeing the players come together with such a great display of community and teamwork is truly inspiring. I hope this tournament encourages people to look at rugby differently, inspires people to get involved in this great sport.”
Edinburgh Rugby, managing director, Douglas Struth added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have hosted the Scottish Building Society Inclusive Festival ahead of our game against Scarlets.
“It kicked off our ‘Family Fest’ match night in style and it was a special moment to see the players all join in for the lap of honour at half time.
“With four teams and nearly 100 players involved the festival of rugby and togetherness, that celebrates everything good about the game we love.”
