WITH Rugby World Cup fever in full swing, hundreds of Wee County youngsters got to grips with the sport at local sport camps recently.

The annual Clackmannanshire Primary Schools Sports Association programme of sports events contains two rugby festivals for Primary 7 pupils at Hillfoots Rugby Club and Alloa Rugby Club.

Students have been learning their rugby skills across all our primary schools since August this year and had the chance to put their skills into practice at one of the two rugby festivals.

More than 300 pupils in P7 formed school teams to participate in the inter school games at each festival.

To support each festival, club coaches have visited most schools to give them some extra tuition in their after school clubs.

Duncan McKinstray is the Cashback rugby coach based at Lornshill Academy and he upskilled 10 of his young leaders to referee each game.

Despite some wet weather, the pupils were well prepared for the events and were unfazed by the rainy conditions.

Cllr Graham Lindsay, Clackmannanshire Council education spokesperson, said: “This is a great turnout for both festivals and I am sure some of the young people will be inspired to join either Hillfoots RFC or Alloa RFC where they will be made very welcome.”

Anyone interested in developing their interest in rugby should contact sportsdevelopment@clacks.gov.uk