In the first partnership of its kind, Scottish Widows Bank and Scottish Rugby have launched a savings account which when opened, can directly support the growth of grass-roots rugby across Scotland.

Through this new commercial partnership, Scottish Widows Bank aims to support Scottish Rugby in their drive to increase the amount of rugby played in state secondary schools by making an annual donation of 0.4% of the total account holders balance.

This donation will help each school's Rugby Champion to buy personal coaching kits, provide specialist rugby equipment and expertise should the school reach levels of advanced participation.

Launching the account follows the success of Scottish Rugbys Rugby Champion pilot in the central region last year, where the number of affiliated rugby schools rose from 7 to 17, and the number of school teams has risen from 39 to 48 (23%) in just a single academic year.

With Rugby Champions now being rolled out across Scotland the initiative is expected to help take the number of Scottish state schools playing rugby from 184 to 300, over the next three years.

Rugby Champion Ambassador and Scotland back-row forward, Ally Hogg, welcomed the new account: "It is vital, for the future of Scottish rugby, that we support rugby at all levels and all ages to create more rugby opportunities for Scotlands state school children.

The Scotland Rugby Savings Account is a fantastic way for Scottish rugby fans to save money, earn interest and play their part in providing rugby opportunities for Scotlands state school children through a scheme that will not only benefit Scottish rugby but the whole of Scotland by encouraging more young people to be fit and active."

The Scotland Rugby Savings Account offers competitive interest rates of 5.25% for 6 months, easy access, internet banking and can be opened with as little as �100.

Graeme Hartop, Managing Director at Scottish Widows Bank said: Linking up with Scottish Rugby for the launch of the Scotland Rugby Savings Account is a way to further develop Scottish Widows Banks business but additionally help Scottish Rugby to develop grass-roots rugby in Scotland, whilst paying Scottish rugby supporters a competitive rate of interest on their savings.

This article was posted on 8-Jul-2008, 20:02 by Hugh Barrow.