RUGBY players at Dollar Academy are getting a taste of the martial arts to help prevent injuries.

Coaches have decided to introduce judo sessions to young rugby players to increase their skills in contact situations and to boost their confidence.

The initiative is initially aimed at players from PrepIV to FII, with director of rugby, Don Caskie, explaining: “The focus is to prepare our players as effectively and safely as we can for the rigours of rugby.

“The crossover from judo is widely recognised and this initiative is designed to instil greater confidence as well as increasing individual competence in contact situations.”

Judo sessions are led by Lee Calder, GB heavyweight development coach and Judo Scotland talent development support coach. He is assisted by his sons Reece and Cailin – the family had amassed a tremendous collection of medals from bot national and international competitions.

Prep school student Gregor said the sport was “difficult, but fun”, with classmate Christopher adding: “I really enjoyed the tackle tig.”

Pupil Rowan enjoyed a session so much, he said: “It was even more fun than rugby.”

And prep school teacher Mrs Thomson added: “Thumbs up from the boys of PrepIV T for judo.”