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Rugby Development

South Lanarkshire Leisure co-ordinates the Rugby Union development programme. The programme aims to promote and develop rugby throughout the region. To achieve this aim, the programme is involved in school rugby, club rugby, pathway/development squads as well as coach and referee education.

See Hamilton Rugby Club on SLTV, at
Hamilton Rugby Club on SLTV

For availability of courses in your area have a look at our Game On! booklet

Primary and secondary school rugby

• The primary ‘New Image’(NI) programme is ongoing, with schools throughout the authority being targeted.
• NI festivals are run as a culmination to all NI programmes.
• The secondary ‘Full Contact’ programme has started, offering curriculum- based sessions to encourage after school clubs and fixtures.
• S1/2 festivals are operated throughout the year to encourage participation.
• School trials take place in S1/2/3. This is the start of the selection process for the Pathways squads. (see below)

Club Rugby

There are eight clubs within the South Lanarkshire area;

• Biggar RFC www.biggarrfc.org.uk
• Cambuslang RFC www.cambuslangrugby.co.uk
• Clydesdale RFC http://www.scottishrugby.org/community/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1319&Itemid=158
• East Kilbride RFC www.ekminirugby.org.uk
• Hamilton RFC www.hamiltonrugbyclub.co.uk
• Lanark RFC www.lanarkrugby.com
• Strathaven RFC www.strathavenrfc.co.uk
• Uddingston RFChttp://www.scottishrugby.org/community/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1510&Item=335

Pathway/development squads

Pathway trials are held, with all clubs/schools being asked to forward players at S1/2/3 levels. Finalised squads will then be selected to represent Lanarkshire. The most promising players will then be selected for the Glasgow and District Development squads. These players will receive specialised coaching over a set period throughout the season.

Coach education

• Foundation level courses are run, throughout the season, depending on demand.
• All other coaching levels are weekend courses and are held at various times throughout the year.
• Coaching updates are offered to all mini/midi sections.
• Teacher support: New Image courses are included in the in-service menu.

Referee development

Referee development courses are run locally by Glasgow District’s Referee Development Officer, Martyn Hawthorn (tel: 07764430999).