More women playing rugby than ever before
Following the Six Nations teeing off last weekend Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has welcomed new figures which show that more women in Scotland are playing rugby than ever before.
The figures, obtained from the SRU confirm that the number of young women playing rugby has swelled by a staggering 95% since 2009/10 – with participation in the adult women’s game also growing by 72.5% over the same period.
The total number of people in Scotland playing rugby is up by over a quarter since 2009.
Scotland’s National Women’s team also played at the weekend in their Six Nations Championship match against Ireland.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“Scotland’s victory over Ireland in the opening fixture of the Six Nations was a fantastic achievement and to toast that result it’s great to see that more women are now playing rugby as well.
“Although our women’s team fell short against their Irish counterparts, a spirted performance from the Scotland’s women team shows how strong a side they are. I hope they get the coverage they deserve and can inspire young women to get involved in the game.
“I have always said that sport is for everyone and I’m delighted to see that more women – especially young sportswomen – are playing rugby than ever before. Sport can have a hugely positive impact on a young person’s physical and mental health and I hope Scotland’s success at the weekend will encourage more youngsters to get involved in the game.”
