Students of Inverness College UHI are to benefit from the coaching and volunteering opportunities offered through a unique partnership launched between the educational establishment and Highland Rugby Club.
The partnership will see the college and Highland work collaboratively to encourage younger people to remain in the region, as well as attempting to attract talent from further afield.
The partnership agreement, outlining the strategy it will drive forward, was officially signed at Inverness College UHI by Professor Chris O’Neil, principal of the college and Graham Findlater, Highland Rugby Club’s president.
Professor O’Neil said: “As one of Scotland’s top teams, this is hugely exciting for our students and there is tremendous opportunity across our subject areas to work collaboratively with Highland on areas of mutual benefit and we can’t wait to start exploring these further.
“The impact of this partnership will be felt by our staff and students, but also players, coaches and fans of the club, as well as the wider community.”
Prof O’Neil added that the partnership is a “great fit” for the organisation.
The collaboration is to expand on current projects being undertaken by the two organisations, focusing on areas of education, research, squad development, coaching and community relations.
Mr Findlater said Highland Rugby Club were “delighted” to launch the partnership, adding that the “exciting opportunity will allow both partners to strengthen already excellent collaborative initiatives.”