SCOTLAND’S record caps holder returned to his roots in the Borders to kick-off a new initiative aimed at increasing the number of young people participating in rugby.

Chris Paterson, who kicked off his career in Galashiels, launched the School of Rugby programme at Earlston High School last week.

It follows concerns over the number of players dropping out of the game when they reach the age of 16.

the grassroots initiative, which will see the school build closer links with former Scottish champions Melrose, is an attempt to re-energise players in their S5/6 years and prepare them for rugby in the following years when they leave school.

Launching the new partnership, development officer Ciaran Hogg said: “It is an exciting opportunity to work with the Earlston High School players every day of the week.

“The programme is taking place as a school column choice, so the players have chosen to be in the group and I am determined to add quality new experiences and skills to their present abilities.

“We have already had in video analysis experts from Scottish Rugby and we plan to qualify the boys as level 1 referees and UKCC coaches to allow them to improve their understanding of the wider aspects of the game.” During the launch, Paterson shared stories of his 109 Scottish caps and motivated the boys with references to key successes and how he coped with the failures he experienced in his career.

The group enjoyed a skills masterclass and finished their session with a nutrition session with Chris cooking a Scotch beef meal for the boys. Lets hope it is the start of a few new Scottish careers!

Malcolm Changleng, from Earlston, said: “It is fantastic to see Chris Paterson here to launch our programme and pleasing to hear him say that he loved the enthusiasm of the group and will come back again.”