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

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, added: “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.”

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