Tag: inclusive rugby festival

Scottish Building Society crowns Scotland’s first inclusive rugby champion

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.”

Inaugural Scottish Building Society Festival kicks-off with over 100 players

The first ever Scottish Building Society Festival took place this weekend with over 100 players competing in the event which celebrates inclusive rugby.  

The festival brought together five clubs from across Scotland to play in a tournament, for all ages and abilities.  

Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team, Fife Clan, Borders Clan, Strathmore Clan and Ayrshire Clan all played in a round-robin tournament. 

Inclusive Rugby involves both able bodied players and those with a physical or learning disability, playing in one unified outfit. 

Scottish Building Society, as the primary partner of Edinburgh Rugby, hosted the festival at Hive Stadium with the players also being invited along to the Edinburgh Rugby v Connacht match that same evening. 

Paul Denton, CEO of Scottish Building Society said: “When we became the main partners with Edinburgh Rugby, we wanted to use our platform to create more opportunities for people to get involved in rugby. 

“The festival was born from this value, and it was incredibly encouraging to have over 100 players come along and play in our first festival celebrating inclusive rugby.

“Rugby is a sport for everyone and using our platform we want to create more opportunities to make the game more accessible and inspire more people to get involved.  

“Our hope is that people see this festival and for next year we can get even more players along to celebrate inclusiveness and the sport we love.” 

Edinburgh Rugby Community Manager, Ruaridh Pye said: “It was a hugely inspiring day hosting the first ever Scottish Building Society Festival here at Hive Stadium.  

“Five clubs from across Scotland coming together to celebrate what rugby means is very special and we hope it will inspire those interested in rugby that this is truly a sport for everyone. 

“It was such a heartwarming day, and having the players come out at half time of our match against Connacht and receive the cheers from the crowd was a special moment.”