Scottish Rugby scraps women’s under-20 team for new development programme

Up to 50 female rugby players will be chosen to take part in Scottish Rugby’s (SRU) first
Performance Development Programme after the axing of the women’s under-20 team. The Performance Development Programme replaces Scotland Women under-20 team, which was scrapped following a review of the structure.

Players aged between 16-20 have been chosen following a talent identification day, and they will go straight into the new programme.

After being split into two groups – with one team based in Edinburgh and the other in Glasgow – those chosen will benefit from tailored individual programmes and support from coaches, physiotherapists and strength and conditioning professionals to “raise the standard of the women’s game”.

Sarah Dixon, the former Scotland Women international and sportscotland development officer, has been appointed as programme manager. Napier University rugby coordinator Ian Dryburgh will coach the Edinburgh-based squad, while Mark Senter will oversee those in Glasgow.

The players who excel in the programme are expected to then be fast-tracked into the Scotland Women squad. Scotland Women are 13th in the world rankings, behind the likes of the USA, Italy and Spain.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.sportsmanagement.co.uk