Entries for the 2008/2009 competition have set another new record with 35 more teams entering Scottish Rugby’s flagship schools competition than ever before.
The tournament has broken entry records for the past three consecutive years with the total number of competing teams soaring from 184 in 2006/2007 to 244 in 2008/2009 – a massive 33% increase.
The Prime Minister told the Scottish Rugby website: “It is fantastic news that more teams than ever before have signed up to the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools Cup this year, giving more young people the opportunity to get involved in rugby.
“I was especially pleased to see the return of rugby to my old school, Kirkcaldy High School and the launch of this year’s tournament at the school today.
“What I remember most about my school days at Kirkcaldy is the sport - running, rugby, football, tennis. And I had the good fortune of playing rugby for what became a great rugby team when I was just fifteen.
“I will never forget the first try I scored for the school first fifteen. I can still remember kicking that ball ahead in terrible weather and scoring the try that won the match. You never forget those moments.
“The lessons I learned then about training hard and being part of a team have been good for me through the rest of my life.
“I am delighted that more young people will have the chance to participate in this great sport.”
Scottish Rugby aims to increase the number and amount of rugby played in state secondary schools and efforts to introduce it to the comprehensive curriculum are showing signs of success as 16 state schools are among the new entrants set to compete in the tournament for the first time.
Colin Thomson, head of community rugby, said: “What we’re beginning to see is the results of Scottish Rugby’s revised structure – team work in all corners of the country to create links between schools and clubs to maximise the opportunities to play rugby.
“The Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools’ Cup is providing the opportunity for more children to have more opportunities to play more often and that has to be the recipe for the competition to continue to grow and generate more players for the club game in Scotland.
“I also think we should acknowledge the significant role the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools Cup is playing in developing players with potential. Alongside the John Lewis National Youth Cup and our Player Pathway programme we’re making strides in accelerating the progress of those players and their readiness for top level competition.”
“Seeing players such as Chris Fusaro, who won the Schools Cup with Bell Baxter High School in 2007, go on to represent Scotland 7s, shows that the competition is an important platform for identifying and nurturing young rugby talent. We hope that the tournaments continue to break records and provide even more enjoyment for the players.”
Scotland 7s player of the year, Chris Fusaro, paid tribute to the flourishing competition: “I was determined to help my school to victory in the 2007 final and the intensity that surrounds the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools Cup encouraged me to work harder on my game and think seriously about making rugby my career.
“Who knows, if youngsters involved in this season’s competition apply themselves then they could make strides towards the national 7s squad, pro team level or within a couple years play for the Scotland team like John Barclay did just three years after lifting the trophy.”
Marc Wilkinson, senior divisional director at investment managers Bell Lawrie, added: “With another record year for entries we are pleased to see the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools Cup continue to thrive.
“Eight years ago when our sponsorship began, 56 teams took part and to see that figure increase year on year, with 244 teams entering this season, is very encouraging for the future of Scottish rugby. The competition reaches all corners of Scotland which is great for us as a company as all of our seven offices are able to take in games in their local area.”
Once again, this season’s finals of both the under-15 and under-18 tournaments will be held on the international pitch at Murrayfield on Wednesday 18 March 2009.