Young rugby players from six schools across Glasgow and the west are preparing to kick off the 2024 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship on February 20.

Hyndland Secondary School, Lenzie Academy, Mearns Castle High School, Shawlands Academy, St Paul’s High School, and St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School will compete at Scotstoun Stadium next week.

They will face 17 other schools from across the country between February and May to take home the Championship title.

Guy Jefferson, chief operating officer of SP Energy Networks, said: "The SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship is a terrific celebration of sport, rugby, science and business.

"We're really proud that we've supported almost 5,000 young people through the programme so far, with around 1,000 more taking part this year.

“Communities are at the heart of everything we do and this is an inspiring way for young people to get into rugby and learn more about teamwork and discipline while gaining an understanding of the synergies between sport, science and business and how this can help shape their futures.

"I wish everyone the best of luck – I’ll be cheering them on.”

The championship, now in its seventh year, was co-created by Glasgow Warriors and SP Energy Networks to improve access to grassroots level rugby.

It also supports young people to develop teamworking, leadership and communications skills, while promoting science and showcasing STEM opportunities.

To give the teams inspiration, players from the participating schools were joined by Ceitidh Ainsworth, Holland Bogan and Chloe Brown from Glasgow Warriors’ first-ever women’s team.

Ms Brown, a previous participant of the championship, said: "Based on my experience, the Championship gives young players the chance to play serious rugby for the first time in a competitive environment and definitely helps boost confidence and skills."

Ms Ainsworth said: “It’s great to play against other female teams and to get a different experience to the club rugby you’re used to playing at school. And it’s good to see opportunities like this available for young players.”

Ms Bogan said the championship is a "brilliant way" to support young people into rugby.

Al Kellock, managing director of Glasgow Warriors, said the partnership goes beyond the boundaries of Glasgow city.

He said: “By working together, we’re creating valuable opportunities for participation, education and competition that are already creating a legacy thanks to the likes of Ceitidh, Chloe and Holland who are now playing for the Warriors’ first-event women’s team. It’s just incredible."