Mike Blair, Ross Ford and over 30 members of Edinburgh’s first team squad travelled north to participate in a coaching masterclass with 250 local children in St Andrews.

Passing on useful tips and coaching techniques to the young rugby enthusiasts, the professional players oversaw tackling and passing drills in glorious sunshine. To become part of our celebrated Community scheme please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Scotland 7s internationalist Andrew Easson particularly enjoyed the experience; because he was born just a few miles away in Kirkcaldy.

Easson said: “It was really good to go back and coach where I played when I was younger – I remember playing against Madras when I was wee. The kids seemed to really enjoy it; we did some passing drills and it was a well-received event.

“A lot of people from Fife come across to watch Edinburgh’s home games on a Friday night, so it was nice for us to be able to make an effort to go up to St Andrews.”

Last season, Edinburgh recorded more than 1,000 visits to schools, colleges, rugby clubs and community groups and chief executive Nic Cartwright believes the trip will kick-start another productive year off the pitch.

Cartwright said: “We are always looking to engage with rugby enthusiasts from all over the east of Scotland and beyond.

“We already have fans in Fife, the Lothians, the Borders and, of course, Edinburgh and through Scottish Rugby’s national development network we have developed relationships with hundreds of clubs, schools and community groups.

“We look forward to seeing some of the children, and their parents, at our first league match of the season against Connacht at Murrayfield on Friday 11 September.”

Afterwards, Edinburgh made the most of the excellent facilities at the University to engage in a practice session with Dundee HSFP.

Doc McKelvey, Scottish Rugby’s Regional Development Manager for Tayside and Fife, believes the event was hugely beneficial to young rugby enthusiasts in the area and a success.

McKelvey said: “It was a massive boost to rugby in the area – everyone went away buzzing. Around 250 children took part in the event from P4 right up to under-16 level.

“They were coached by the professional players and benefited from picking up tips in training games and skills sessions in good weather.”

Donald Macgregor, Vice Chair of Fife Council's Housing and Communities Committee, said: "It was great to see so many youngsters, many accompanied by their families or friends, enjoy the coaching sessions held in brilliant sunshine at the University Sports Centre on the well-manicured playing fields.

“I am sure all will be encouraged to meet some of their rugby-playing heroes from Edinburgh Rugby face to face.

“This event, which attracted not far short of 200 participants, was a great success, and on behalf of Fife Council I would like to say thank you to the organisers, who included Paul Hunter, one of Fife's three rugby development officers, the Edinburgh Rugby management and players, and the university authorities."