Blair happy to spread word in schools and clubs

Around 40 players set off in all directions to help deliver coaching and skills clinics to more than 600 young enthusiasts at 11 different clubs and schools.

The players were also out in force to drum up support for this weekend’s match against Aironi at Murrayfield.

Speaking at Sciennes Primary School, scrum-half Mike Blair said: “We had our biggest crowd of the season at our recent Heineken Cup win over Racing Metro, which was tremendous, especially towards the end when the supporters willed the boys on for a great win.

“The standing area really came into its own that night and it’s important to give something back and show our appreciation by getting out to local clubs and schools and meeting some of the young players in the region.”

The players also promoted the free child and adult ticket offer for the Aironi match on Friday night. The offer is open to anyone under-18 who joins the junior supporters’ club, Edinburgh Crew (www.edinburghcrew.co.uk) by 5pm today. Match tickets can then be registered for by emailing [email protected].

All of the clubs and schools visited benefit from the rugby development partnership between Scottish Rugby, local authorities and Active Schools, which sees regular sessions delivered in and around the area.

Scottish Rugby Regional development manager for Edinburgh and Midlothian, Greg Cann, said: “Having the Edinburgh players out at clubs and schools across the region is huge for their young supporters.

“It makes a massive difference to the youngsters who will get to meet, question and take tips from some of their favourite rugby players, just days before they watch them run out on the Murrayfield pitch.

“It’s a real inspiration to the kids and will undoubtedly encourage them to develop their interest and skills in rugby further and hopefully get more of them down to Murrayfield.”