A summer of community engagement in Our Burgh

• 30 Aug 2024
• News

Edinburgh Rugby has continued its commitment to grassroots rugby this off-season through its Our Burgh community outreach programme.

Over the summer, a total of 24 senior players visited 15 clubs across the club’s supporting regions, including Fife, The Borders and Lothians.

This impressive outreach effort extended from Melrose RFC to Perth RFC, demonstrating the club’s dedication to strengthening its connection with the local rugby community.

One of the highlights of the programme was the Rugby on the Road community day in Linlithgow, held earlier this month.

Darcy Graham poses for a photo with young supporter in Linlithgow

Held at Mains Park, the home of Linlithgow RFC, the event drew over 300 spectators who enjoyed an open training session and had the opportunity to meet Scotland internationalists Darcy Graham and Hamish Watson, as well as returning summer signings Magnus Bradbury and Matt Scott.

Nearly 100 local kids participated in tartan touch with the Edinburgh Rugby team, providing them with an unforgettable experience.

In addition to Rugby on the Road, the club’s senior coaching team conducted a coaching clinic at Haddington RFC.

Scott Mathie was involved in the recent coaching clinic in Haddington

This clinic was the result of a competition Edinburgh Rugby ran for local clubs, offering the winning team the chance to receive professional coaching guidance.

The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Sean Everitt, provided valuable insights to around 60 players from Haddington RFC, sharing their expertise and knowledge.

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth expressed his pride in the club’s community engagement efforts.

He said: “The Our Burgh programme is a fantastic initiative that allows our players to connect with the grassroots rugby community.

“It’s been wonderful to see so many players out and about, engaging with local clubs and inspiring the next generation of rugby talent.

Mosese Tuipulotu at a visit to Murrayfield Wanderers summer camp

“Our recent coaching clinic at Haddington RFC was another highlight, where our senior coaches shared their knowledge and expertise with local players. This kind of collaboration is crucial for developing rugby talent at all levels.

“The success of events like Rugby on the Road and Picnic on the Pitch demonstrates the strong support we have from our fans and as the season progresses, we look forward to continuing our community outreach in Our Burgh.”