TO celebrate International Women's Day, Scottish Rugby are highlighting new work with North Ayrshire Council and 10 other local authorities across Scotland to deliver curricular and extra-curricular rugby to girls aged from 12 to 17.

Local authorities will run school taster sessions throughout March, before players are given the opportunity to take part in touch rugby events at their local clubs or in the wider community.

Phase 2 of the #BeTheBestYou campaign was launched in October 2017 and through this initiative aims to give girls interested in continuing their rugby a clear pathway to train and play on a regular basis while at secondary school.

Scottish Rugby will support schools and clubs involved by providing advice and marketing packs to encourage pupils to engage with the campaign.

Since its launch in April 2017, #BeTheBestYou has seen women and girls from across Scotland get involved in rugby, either for the first time or returning after a break, as local clubs welcome newcomers with taster training sessions.

More than 500 women have been through the gates of their local clubs or to sessions at their universities thanks to the campaign.

Gemma Fay, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Women and Girls Rugby, said: “This next stage of #BeTheBestYou will give girls between mini and senior rugby more chances to continue playing or pick up a ball for the first time. Rugby is not only excellent exercise but offers a unique and welcoming team environment which can benefit anyone regardless of their sporting background.

“We hope that #BeTheBestYou continues to see more women and girls enjoying our sport and embracing what rugby has to offer."