Glasgow Warriors to host Scotland’s unified rugby teams on Saturday night

Glasgow Warriors will host five of Scotland’s unified rugby teams, known as The Clans, this Saturday at Scotstoun Stadium as part of the evening's pre-match activity provided by Official Community Partner SP Energy Networks.

Clans from Glasgow, Ayrshire, Fife, Edinburgh, and Strathmore will come together for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic to play in a round-robin competition on the back pitches from 6pm, prior to Glasgow’s United Rugby Championship fixture with Benetton (kick-off 7.35pm).

Representatives from those Clans will then deliver the URC match ball, ahead of the night’s crucial Scottish-Italian Shield clash.

Scotland’s fully unified full contact rugby teams, who receive regional support from Scottish Rugby’s Rugby Development department, bring players with and without learning disabilities or difficulties to train, play and compete on the same team. Ultimately, they are focused on bringing the very best out in people without prejudice or stereotype, which resonates with Glasgow Warriors’ values of inspiring community and fighting for family.

We’re back at Scotstoun next Saturday night ? Benetton

Get your tickets ? https://t.co/tflKTNrH6h pic.twitter.com/6xd7ailWDJ
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) February 11, 2022

Glasgow Warriors Managing Director, Al Kellock, said: “It’s brilliant to welcome back Scotland’s unified rugby teams to Scotstoun. They do phenomenal work in ensuring rugby is a sport for everyone. I have been fortunate enough to see first-hand the great rugby moments that The Clans have created.

“Working closely with our Official Community Partner SP Energy Networks, we at Glasgow Warriors very much look forward to Saturday’s return of The Clans and the future activities we’ll do together.”

“We’d encourage supporters to head over to the back pitches to show their support for the competing teams and if you’re interested in being involved with unified rugby to meet the coaches.”

Stephen Main, Coach of The Ayrshire Clan and who was influential in establishing unified rugby in Scotland, said: “We can’t wait for Saturday night. This will be the first time the teams have come together since COVID and we’re really excited about it.

“It’s an amazing opportunity. Within the Ayrshire Clan we’re trying to make more and more people aware of unified rugby and Saturday gives us an opportunity to show off what we’re doing.

“Unified rugby is all about creating opportunities for anyone to play rugby. For instance, we have players of all abilities, and that are not able to play league rugby any longer, this gives them an opportunity to be active and socially involved.”

To find out more about unified rugby search Facebook to find your local Clan. Currently, Clan teams can be found in Glasgow, Ayrshire, Fife, Edinburgh, Strathmore, Grampian and Borders.

You can also contact rugbydevelopmentadmin@sru.org.uk, and Scottish Rugby’s regional development team will connect you with your nearest Clan.