School rugby players from Belmont Academy, Carrick Academy, Grange Academy, Irvine Royal Academy, Largs Academy and Marr College are set to tackle teams from 16 other schools as they compete in the 2025 SP Energy Networks Glasgow Warriors Rugby Championship, which gets underway at Scotstoun Stadium this week.
The tournament – now in its eighth year – is one of the highlights of the award-winning community partnership between the electricity network operator and the rugby club.
It supports rugby at a grassroots level and creates a platform for aspiring rugby stars, while spotlighting STEM* opportunities to encourage students to think about a career beyond the game.
In preparation for the games ahead, students from Irvine Royal Academy and current champions, Marr College, attended the Championship launch event at Scotstoun Stadium – home of the Warriors – and enjoyed an action-packed day of sport, science and fun.
This included a workshop from Stemovators – who are on a mission to create the next generation of scientists, engineers and tech experts – on how electricity works, with students creating their very own ‘fruit batteries’. Students also heard from Warriors players and professionals on the science behind rugby and the importance of health and wellbeing
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Colin Sturgeon, Marr College Head of Rugby, said:
"We are delighted to be back at Scotstoun in 2025 to defend the SPEN Championship title! All of our pupils love their trips to the Warriors and the S1 pupils are so excited to get involved and see what it is all about."
Rory Couper, PE Teacher at Irvine Royal Academy, said:
“Irvine Royal Academy cannot wait to be part of this year’s SPEN Championships. For a school who have only been playing rugby for 18 months, it brings a real level of excitement to be playing rugby at the home of the Glasgow Warriors. This is our first time entering the tournament and we cannot wait to demonstrate all the skills we have been developing over the year and play against new schools.
“Rugby has not been a very popular sport in the school in the past, but with the inclusion of the Cashback's School of Rugby programme, it has provided a platform and opportunity for our young people to take part in a sport that is not only improving their physical wellbeing, but also their attitudes to school and learning.
“We have some talented young players who may have missed out in the past. So, providing them with this opportunity is amazing.”
Graham Campbell, Director of Cyber Transformation at SP Energy Networks said:
“It’s great to launch the 2025 championship at Scotstoun Stadium – home of the Warriors! Opportunities like this help support active lifestyles among young people in the communities we serve, while developing important skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership – as well as shining a spotlight on what our industry and STEM roles can offer them.
“It’s been really rewarding to see how successful the programme has been over the years and the difference it’s made for the thousands of young people who’ve taken part – I’ve no doubt it will be just the same for our teams this year. I wish all the players the best of luck as they get ready to ‘ruck’ and roll at this year’s Championship – it’s going to be another exciting one!”
Glasgow Warriors Managing Director, Al Kellock, added:
“Our partnership with SP Energy Networks is all about making a tangible difference to the lives of people in our community. It is a partnership that goes far beyond the boundaries of Glasgow city, and the sport of rugby.
"By working with SP Energy Networks, we’re providing valuable opportunities for participation, education, and competition, creating a powerful and long-lasting legacy that will reap benefits for years to come.”
