A group of young South Ayrshire rugby players have been receiving coaching from Peter Wright, former Scotland and British Lions Rugby Player, who now coaches Scotland's under 19 team.

Four specialised coaching sessions for individuals who normally play in positions that mean they are involved in scrums, known in rugby circles as the 'tight 5', were held at Ayr Rugby Club over a four week period.

Speaking about the coaching sessions Peter Wright said: "I am really enjoying coaching the young South Ayrshire rugby players. It is great to be able to pass on my knowledge and experiences to such enthusiastic players who have already achieved such a high standard of play. I am sure that some of the young players will go on to play for some great teams in the future, and possibly even represent their country in national championships."

The coaching sessions were held for secondary pupils and students up to the age of 18 who participate in rugby at Ayr Rugby Club, Marr Rugby Club or South Ayrshire Secondary Schools.

The Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill, and the Convener of the Council's Commercial and Business Services Committee, Councillor Alex Cairns went along to Ayr Rugby Club to meet Peter Wright and some of the young rugby players.

Councillor Hill said: "Peter has achieved great things during his rugby career and is now enthusiastically passing on his knowledge to young players who would like to emulate his success in the future.

"Getting young people involved in sport keeps them active and helps them to get into the habit of taking physical exercise, something which hopefully they will continue to do throughout their lives.

"These young people have chosen to participate in rugby which is very popular in schools, and that is why as part of rugby development in South Ayrshire all Council secondary schools are holding after school rugby sessions for S1 and S2 students this term."

There are many rugby related events currently taking place including:

•  The South Ayrshire secondary schools competition is under way with all participating schools playing their matches mid week after school

•  Five secondary schools from South Ayrshire have entered in the Scottish Schools Cup this year; this is up two from last year.

•  Belmont's cluster of primary schools is having 'Tag Touch' rugby coaching. This is a variation on the traditional game of rugby where players do not 'tackle' each other instead they simply 'touch' each other.

•  South Ayrshire in partnership with the Thames and Chiltern Trust Ayr Rugby Club runs a special needs rugby group that trains on Monday nights between 7 pm and 8 pm.

•  Both the local mini and midi rugby teams at the Marr and Ayr rugby clubs are doing well this year in their respective competitions.

Councillor Hill and Councillor Cairns met with rugby coaches, the President of Ayr Rugby Club and young rugby players at Ayr Rugby Club at one of the coaching sessions.

October 2005