_ Beginners’ Touch Rugby Tournament and Coaching Session – Aberdeen
You are invited to submit a team to Aberdeen’s first beginners touch rugby tournament and coaching session supported by the North East Scotland Touch Association (NESTA).  The event will take place on Saturday 24th of March 2012 at Balgownie Playing fields, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.

The event aims to introduce new players to the sport and encourage the development of new teams in the region.  The day will combine an opportunity for coaching from experienced players, including Scotland internationals, and the chance to put your new found skills to good use by competing in a tournament.

Teams:

Teams should be composed of up to 14 players (with a view to having no more than 6 players on the pitch at any one time, and of the 6, no more than 3 can be men) each with less than 2 years touch rugby experience.   2 experienced players (more than 2 years experience) are allowed on each team.

If you are unable to field a full team, but would still like to take part, please email Christine Kershaw on [email protected] as it may well be possible to join small groups together to form teams.

Rules:

Federation of International Touch rules apply.  For the purposes of coaching new teams and the enjoyment of the day, it is at the referees’ discretion how they apply these rules.

Games will last 20 minutes.
Referees:

Qualified referees will be supplied.
Costs:

Entry costs are £50 per team – to be paid in advance or, by arrangement, on the day.  To register your team please email [email protected] before the 16th of March.  It is anticipated that the day will run from 10am to 5pm, however, this will be confirmed with team captains nearer the time.

Insurance:

NESTA (the organisers) do not provide personal accident or injury insurance.  Participation is at your own risk and the organisers bear no liability for loss, damage or liability to any competitor, volunteers, spectator or individual connected with the event.

_ Scottish Women’s Rugby is currently looking for talented female athletes who have the potential ability, desire and passion to represent Scotland Women on the international rugby stage.  Through a fast-track  programme,  they are aiming to identify female athletes to engage within their performance programme in preparation for the 2014 and 2018 Rugby World Cups.

They are hosting an open talent identification day on the 18th February 2012 Murrayfield, Edinburgh (10am-2pm – players should meet at the Wanderers clubhouse for registration).

They are welcoming female athletes (aged 17yrs+) from all backgrounds to attend the day, where there will be a series of assessments based around fitness, hand-eye coordination and some rugby specific skill elements.

Scottish Rugby currently has two performance teams representing Scotland on the national rugby stage; Scotland Women (senior) and the Scotland Women under-20 squad.

The Scotland Women team competes on an annual basis in the RBS 6 Nations championship, as well as the Rugby World Cup which is held every four years. After finishing 8th in the 2010 Rugby World Cup, the Scotland team is now preparing for the qualification process for the next Rugby World Cup in 2014. The Scotland Women under-20 team, now in its second year, is focusing on player development and education in order to prepare the players for the wider world of senior international rugby.

Players involved in both teams undergo individual player development, specialist coaching, squad weekends, medical protocols and strength and conditioning programmes.

If you are interested in the Performance programmes, details are given below. Queries can be directed to Ellen Dickson

Further information will be posted on www.swru.org.uk ; players can pre-register simply by e-mailing  [email protected] to confirm attendance