Edinburgh duo Hamish and Sam surprise Trinity pupils

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, left, and Hamish Watson, right, with some of the Trinity rugby players

The Edinburgh duo ran a special training session alongside the school’s head of rugby, Peter Nelson, with the players offering advice and tips to the children during skills and drills sessions.

Watson and Hidalgo-Clyne were helping to launch a new Mitsubishi Motors Kit 4 Clubs initiative, which will allow rugby clubs and schools across Scotland the chance to earn new playing kit, training equipment and rugby gear in return for their members completing a vehicle appraisal and test drive with their local dealer.

“We are lucky enough to have Scottish Rugby having their launch – Trinity Academy was fortunate enough to be chosen,” said Nelson.

“This is where it’s at, this is really important for us, we are in a place where every season our budget is getting stretched further and further and unfortunately it’s equipment and kit that takes the hit.

“When we have an initiative like this from Mitsubishi it’s fantastic, especially for our first years.

“We have had our first few games of the season and have had a bit of a mix, we have guys with polo tops, while some have managed to afford to buy the playing top.

“For me it builds that camaraderie from the start, they feel part of the team from the moment they come and play rugby.

“It’s awesome, grassroots is where it’s at, if we can get the foundation here, then hopefully it will benefit and go right to the top, Scotland, Under 18; whatever it may be.”

The initiative is open to all full Scottish Rugby member clubs or schools, with an array of kit available that will support teams for many seasons to come.

Produced by Scottish Rugby partners, Gilbert and Macron, the kit available for clubs and schools to earn includes match shirts, practice bibs, tackle pads, balls and more.

Scotland flanker Watson said: “The game is in great shape at the moment and this new partnership between Mitsubishi Motors and Scottish Rugby is another sign of progress.

“The more clubs we can properly equip and schools we can kit out, the more chance we will have of growing the game even further and creating a bright future for Scottish Rugby.”

n Hamish Watson was speaking at the launch of Mitsubishi Motors new Kit 4 Clubs scheme, offering rugby clubs and schools access to kit and equipment. For more information visit http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/rugby/scotland/kit4clubs/