A Highland rugby star has become one of the first official sporting champions in Scotland for a global children’s charity.
Scotland Women international Jade Konkel has given her backing to Save the Children.
It is part of a partnership between Scottish Rugby and the charity, with Stuart Hogg, a member of the British Irish Lions touring party to New Zealand, also taking up a role as champion of the charity.
Back rower Ms Konkel who grew up on the Black Isle now plays for the Hillhead Jordanhill club in Glasgow.
Last year she became the first fully professional female rugby player.
The 23-year-old said: “I’m massively proud to be a champion for Save the Children. In rugby, just as in life, we try to remove barriers and give people a fair start in life.”
The duo will get involved with and highlight Save the Children’s work, from visiting Scottish families who benefit from their programmes, getting stuck into community work and taking part in the charity’s Christmas Jumper Day.
Scottish Rugby, whose patron, HRH The Princess Royal, has been President of Save the Children UK since 1970, has already supported Save the Children through facilitating bucket collections at matches after natural disasters such as the Nepal earthquake and famine in East Africa.
Ms Konkel added: “I was so pleased to be asked to champion Save the Children’s issues. I think that together we can shine a spotlight on their work, help people to understand what life is like for some families in Scotland today and support vital fund-raising. I know this is the start of something special.”
Neil Mathers, Save the Children’s head of Scotland, said: “We’re so excited to have Stuart and Jade on board, championing our cause and using their status as stars of Scottish Rugby to highlight our important work. Their enthusiasm is so infectious and it will be great to see them getting stuck in once they return from their summer activities. We know that having them speak out for the families and children that we work with will really make a difference”.
