Balfron High are up for the cup once again
Balfron High School will pit their rugby skills against 26 other schools from across west, central and southern Scotland in this year’s SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.
The West Stirlingshire school have reached the semifinals in the past two years and will be looking to go one better in 2020.
Glasgow Warriors’ official community partner, SP Energy Networks, welcome pupils, teachers and coaches to their Glasgow HQ to launch this year’s competition when 27 schools go head to head across eight weeks at Scotstoun Stadium, home of Glasgow Warriors, and battle it out to be crowned champions.
This is the third year SP Energy Networks have supported the Championship that aims to raise awareness and improve access to grassroots level rugby – whilst also promoting active and healthy lifestyles to young people.
Each school will take part in qualifying rounds at Scotstoun, beginning on Wednesday, February 5 with Balfron’s heat taking place on Wednesday, March 18 against St Paul’s High School, Oban High School, Coatbridge High School and Douglas Ewart High School as S1 and S2 boys’ teams compete alongside an under15s girls’ team.
Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks said: “Since the Championship started we’ve seen the number of schools grow from just 16 up to 27 this year and both myself and everyone at SP Energy Networks are delighted to actively support and encourage the next generation of rugby stars.”
And Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys added: “We feel very passionate about creating opportunities for young people to enjoy our sport, and hopefully, have positive experiences through rugby similar to our own.”
At this week’s launch Warriors players hosted a Q&A session with the pupils with stars Alex Allan, Leone Nakarawa and Nick Grigg taking the questions.
Allan said: “I still get a buzz playing at Scotstoun and it must be extra special for all these youngsters. I wish them all the best and I look forward to coming down to watch some matches.”
The final will be played before the Guinness PRO14 match between Glasgow Warriors and Ospreys on Friday, May 15.