YOUNGSTERS of primary school age can get into a scrum and learn how to punt that ball between the sticks.

East Renfrewshire Council's Rugby Development Officer, Grant Talbot has set up two coaching schemes that allows the children to learn the skill of playing the game.

Mini Rugby Club - creates a running handling contact game with few stoppages as possible to allow children to learn the primary skills of rugby like passing, running and tackling.

All of these skills are coached within a controlled environment under the supervision of SRU coaches.

Boys and girls of all standards are welcome, but should come along wearing appropriate outdoor clothing.

Mini rugby, for P1 and P2, runs every Thursday evening till June 21 at Whitecraigs Rugby Club, Aurs Road, between 6.15pm and 7.45pm.

Tag Rugby is a fast-moving, non-contact invasion game suitable for boys and girls to play together.

The key to the game is enjoyment, with running and handling skills to the fore.

Its safe non-contact nature, combined with the fun and vibrance of the sport, has meant that more children are playing tag rugby.

Tag rugby, for P1to P7, runs every Monday evening till June 18 at Woodfarm Astroturf, Thornliebank, between 6pm and 7pm.

For more information contact Grant Talbot, SRU Development Officer, on 0141 577 3923 or email grant.talbot@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk