Rugby takes off at City of Glasgow College

Touch rugby has six players on each side with any number of reserves off the field. To defend your tryline you must make a legal touch on any part of the body and raise a hand to shout, “Touch”. It is played in the small games hall and coached by the experienced rugby players Daniel Watson and Bethany Feather.

In an interview, Bethany said: “The end goal would be for Daniel and me to create full contact teams for both men and women whilst being able to attend the games.”

Rugby is on the rise in Scotland because of the increased popularity of state schools. According to Scottish Rugby: “Scottish Rugby has surpassed its strategic target to grow its playing base by over 50%, two years ahead of schedule.”

This could also be a result of the national teams’ dramatic improvements over the last 6 years which has received a 5th World Rugby ranking, the highest in its history. The ‘Glasgow Warriors’ have also achieved one of Scottish rugby’s greatest achievements by winning the United Rugby Championship in 2015 and 2024.

Touch rugby doesn’t involve heavy contact and therefore will have low injury risks, be more skills orientated and increase your levels of conditioning. It has significant social and wellbeing benefits to improve your confidence and mental health. It’s been found to improve your educational performance and attendance and the sport is suitable for all shapes, sizes, and ages. On top of that, it’s a competition where men and women can play together.

Bethany Feather says: “It is good for the college as a lot of the time people you are friends with are restricted to the classes you are in, and meeting people through rugby expands your circle of friends to different courses and backgrounds.

“I think it is also important that girls have as much of a chance at getting in the spotlight as men do.”

Touch rugby is a great addition to the variety of clubs the college offers. This sport is on the rise in the country because of the great attributes it brings, so, being able to play in a team and learn the key skills will benefit anyone in the long run.