Page 19 - Problem Solving – Scoring points in rugby
Page 20 - Rugby Player Nutrition
Page 22 - Player profile & task
Page 24 - Rugby Hair Styles
Page 25 - Match Preparation
Page 26 - Rugby Collage
Page 27 - Spot the difference
Page 28 - Wordsearch
Page 29 - The Rugby Ball
Page 30 - Glossary
Welcome
On behalf of everyone at Scottish Rugby, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for taking the time to check out our Schools Curricular Pack – all built around the excitement of the Rugby World Cup 2025, happening this summer in England!
The whole squad and I are buzzing to represent Scotland on the biggest rugby stage in the world. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament – over 400,000 tickets have already been sold, so you can imagine the atmosphere we’re heading into!
We really hope this pack inspires you as teachers to bring a bit of rugby magic into the classroom – whether that’s watching the games, learning more about the sport, or getting pupils playing it themselves.
This workbook has been put together with school educators like you in mind, and it ties in perfectly with all the Rugby World Cup action. You might be surprised how many of us on the team didn’t actually start out in rugby – plenty came from other sports like judo, athletics, or football. I actually made the switch from hockey later on, and it turns out a lot of the skills translated pretty well!
A few of us started out playing at school too, including Rhona Lloyd, one of our wingers. She’s scored 25 tries for Scotland, having played 57 times (and counting), and that’s all because one of her teachers put on a rugby session at school.
The big idea here is to give kids the chance to try lots of different sports, get moving, and discover just how great an active lifestyle can be. We want this pack to help spark curiosity and excitement about rugby, both in the classroom and out on the pitch.
And there’s more! We’re hoping this coincides with a wave of rugby coaching support for schools, including activity ideas and resources you can use directly or through your local rugby club. It’s all about making physical activity fun and impactful for learning.
We’d absolutely love it if you and your pupils could follow our journey during the Rugby World Cup – your support really does mean the world to us.
Rachel Malcolm Captain of Scotland Women
Scottish Rugby proudly presents this year’s rugby-themed educational tool for teachers and pupils across Scotland. Each section contains worksheets and exercises that can be photocopied for your classroom or adapted to complement ongoing topics. Rugby imparts skills and values (Leadership, Engagement, Achievement, Enjoyment and Respect) that extend to all facets of a young individual’s life. This suite of resources showcases how rugby union can augment the classroom endeavours undertaken by children across all curriculum subjects.
Your school could benefit from the delivery of a block of rugby activity in either curricular or co-curricular time. If you’re interested in finding out more please contact your Regional School Rugby Officer or, using the email addresses to the right, you will be able to access our Teacher’s Resource Packs and locate your nearest rugby club for contact details and support.
Stay updated on Scotland’s progress throughout the Rugby World Cup by visiting www.scottishrugby.org and follow our social media channels below:
Glasgow South: Stephen Main stephen.main@sru.org.uk
History of Women’s World Cup
The Women’s World Cup began in 1991, initially organised without official backing from the sport’s governing body. The inaugural tournament, held in Wales, was won by the United States. Despite its unofficial start, the competition quickly grew in prominence, with the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) officially recognising the tournament in 1998. England, New Zealand, and France became dominant forces, helping to elevate the global profile of women’s rugby.
New Zealand has been the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, winning six titles, including the 2021 World Cup (held in 2022 due to the pandemic). The event has steadily grown in popularity and professionalism, with increasing attendance, media coverage, and support. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is now held every four years and is a key driver of the sport’s development, inspiring a new generation of female players worldwide.
The next Women’s Rugby World Cup will be held in England from 22 August to 27 September 2025, featuring an expanded format of 16 teams—up from 12 in previous tournaments . The tournament kicks off at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and culminates with a highly anticipated final at London’s iconic Allianz Twickenham Stadium.
Across eight host cities—Brighton, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland, and York—the event promises to be the most accessible and widely supported Women’s Rugby World Cup to date, with New Zealand defending their title and England, Canada, and France among the top seeds, this tournament is set to be a truly generational moment for women’s rugby.
You can follow Scotland by watching all their games on BBC.
Rugby World Cup 2025 Trophy
Made of sterling silver and plated with 24-carat gold, the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy is an emblem of modernity, achievement and passion, worthy of the future icons who will lift it high. It is a bold reflection of the unstoppable energy driving every woman and girl in the sport.
Etched onto its surface, a world map symbolises the game’s universal reach, celebrating the nations that have fought on this stage and the new pioneers who will carry the game forward. For the first time at England 2025, all six World Rugby regions are represented across the 16 nations involved with a South American team, Brazil, making its debut on the sport’s biggest stage.
With an elegant oval silhouette that nods to the heart of the game, the new design blends tradition with innovation. It proudly retains the two iconic handles of its predecessor while embracing a fresh, modern aesthetic. Previous winning nations have been engraved on its base, honouring the champions who have shaped this sport and inspiring the generations to come.
Previous Rugby World Cups
Previous Rugby World Cup competitions have taken place in different continents as well as individual countries.
Can you identify the 16 qualifying nations on the map above?
Can you identify the 16 qualifying nations for the Rugby World Cup 2025 on the map above?
Pool A
Pool B
Pool C
Pool D
Rugby World Cup 2021
These are the tables from the pool rounds of the Rugby World Cup 2021 hosted in New Zealand, plus results from the knock-out rounds (see next page).
1. What was the total number of points scored in Pool A?
2. What was the total number of points scored in all three pools added together?
3. Which team in the final scored the most number of points during the whole competition?
Quaterfinals
Attendances during Rugby World Cup 2021 matches
Try to find out the actual attendance for each game and keep a record. You might find these in match reports online or on BBC Sport.
Match Date Venue
Australia v New Zealand Saturday 8 October 2022
Wales v Scotland Sunday 9 October 2022
Italy v Canada Sunday 16 October 2022
Fiji v South Africa Sunday 16 October 2022
Capacity
Eden Park, Auckland
Northland Events Centre, Whangārei
Waitakere Stadium, Auckland
Waitakere Stadium, Auckland
1. If Eden Park in Auckland hosts three matches and all three sell out, how many spectators would there be in total?
2. If three games were played at Northland Events Centre in Whangārei and they were only 75% full, how many spectators would have been to the matches in total?
3. What is the total difference between the stadium with the lowest capacity and the one with the largest?
EMPOWERING FEMALE LEADERS
Chole Rollie (left) and Megan Gaffney (right) on the attack against Wales at Rugby World Cup 2021
Fun fact: When Megan Gaffney retired from international rugby, she didn’t hang up her boots fully – she stepped into a role as Director of Women’s Rugby at Heriot’s Rugby Club where she now leads on key decisions to help grow the women and girls game.
Bar Graph
1. Make a bar graph to show the total number of points scored in each pool group of Rugby Word Cup 2021.
Pool Groups
Points Scoring
1. Which team contributed the most number of points in the pool group?
2. Which group scored the most points overall?
3. Which team scored the most points over the whole tournament?
Rugby World Cup 2025 Venues
The 2025 Rugby World Cup games will be played in eight different stadia in England.
Bar graph
Draw a bar graph of the crowd capacities for each stadium.
American Express Stadium
Ashton Gate Stadium
Sandy Park
Allianz Twickenham Stadium
Salford Community Stadium
cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
Stadium of Light
Stadium Locations
1. Using the map, number the stadiums which are venues for the Rugby World Cup
American Express Stadium
Ashton Gate Stadium
Sandy Park
Allianz Twickenham Stadium
Salford Community Stadium
cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
Stadium of Light
York Community Stadium
2. Which venues and cities will host the two semi-finals?
Team Badges
Look at each team logo and write the name of the country it represents in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
World Cup Teams
Scotland
Team Colours Challenge
Research each nation’s rugby colours and colour in the shirts below.
Pool A
Pool B
Pool C
Pool D
Flags of the competing countries
The outlines of the flags of 4 of the 16 qualifiers for the Rugby World Cup 2025 are shown below. Write down the name of the country under each flag, find what colour the flags are and shade them in:
BUILDING CAPACITY IN CLUBS
Fun fact: Hollie Davidson has been selected as one of the 10 referees for the tournament in England. She made history in 2022 as the first female referee to officiate a match involving a men’s International Six Nations side.
Competition Time:
Unleash Your Creativity and Design A Scotland Kit! Think you’ve got what it takes to design a rugby top fit for champions? Now’s your chance to make your mark on Scottish rugby! We’re inviting fans, artists, and aspiring designers to create a bold, inspiring Scotland rugby shirt that captures the spirit, pride, and power of the game. We’re offering one lucky young artist a once-in-a-lifetime prize! The winner of our competition will receive the incredible opportunity to be a mascot for the historic Scotland v England match during the Scotland Women’s Six Nations 2026 campaign at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Imagine leading the team out onto the pitch, surrounded by the roar of the crowd and the excitement of game day. It’s your chance to be part of the magic and pride of Scotland rugby!
Competition Rules:
1. This competition will close at 3pm Monday 29 September 2025.
2. Participants must be between 5 and 12 years old.
3. Entrants must reside, attend school or play rugby for a registered club in Scotland.
4. All entries must use the below form and include all data fields to be considered. Data will be used to contact the winner.
5. Entries must be submitted by a parent, guardian, teacher, or caregiver on behalf of children aged 5–12. Entries must be sent to rugbydevelopmentadmin@sru.org.uk with the subject ‘RWC 25 Strip Design’.
6. The prize is subject to change and is the expected reward at the time of writing.
7. The guardian or caregiver of the competition winner will be contacted on or before Monday 6 October 2025
8. The winning artwork may be shared across Scottish Rugby’s social media channels and with our stakeholders. By submitting artwork on behalf of an entrant aged 5-12, you agree that all artistic licenses are transferred to Scottish Rugby for use in current and future promotional activity.
Name:
Age:
Email:
School:
Rugby Anthems
At international rugby matches, it is custom for the national anthems of both teams to be played and sung before the kick-off.
Scotland does not have an official anthem, but before rugby matches, it has now become custom for “Flower of Scotland” to be played and sung as Scotland’s anthem.
1. Learn the words of “Flower of Scotland”. There are 3 verses, but normally only the first and third are sung.
2. Sing “Flower of Scotland” as a class or group.
3. Can you spilt your class into 2 or 3 groups and sing the first verse as a round? (i.e. staggering the start of the song).
4. Choose what instrument you might use if they are available:
• trumpet
• recorder
• drums
• violin
• trombone
• keyboard
• French horn
• clarinet
• flute
• cymbals
• piano
• xylophone
• saxophone
• guitar
• bagpipes
PLAYING PATHWAY FOR ALL:
Chole Rollie (left), Emma Orr (Centre) and Lisa Thomson (right) singing Flower of Scotland
Fun fact: Emma Orr progressed through various age groups at Biggar RFC, and led her team to victory in the Girls Youth Cup Finals at Murrayfield in 2017.
O flower of Scotland
When will we see your like again That fought and died for Your wee bit hill and glen And stood against him
Proud Edward’s army And sent him homeward
Tae think again
The hills are bare now
And autumn leaves lie thick and still O’er land that is lost now
Which those so dearly held And stood against him
Proud Edward’s army And sent him homeward
Tae think again
Those days are past now
And in the past they must remain But we can still rise now And be the nation again That stood against him
Proud Edward’s army And sent him homeward
Tae think again
Verbal and Visual Communication
You can find commentary on TV programmes, on the radio (BBC 5 Live or TalkSport), on the red button (BBC TV) and YouTube. Many sporting events use live commentary to describe what is going on – particularly for people who can’t watch live or see the pictures.
Can you:
1. Make a recording of part of one of the Rugby World Cup matches (they are on BBC).
2. With a partner choose a 2 minute sequence and plan your own commentaries.
3. On your own, try out your commentary keeping the sound off.
4. When you think you are ready, record your commentary on a recording device.
5. Play it back as you watch the video. How could you make it better?
6. Listen to other commentaries and discuss how to improve them or what they did well?
Good Luck Video
Send in your good luck message for the Scotland team
• 20 secs long
• Make as an individual or a group (max 4)
• Send to digital@sru.org.uk
Problem Solving - Scoring points in rugby
In rugby the scoring is made up of points. There are four ways to score points:
Look at the diagram below and then answer the questions:
It is half-time. This diagram shows where Scotland scored their points.
1. What was the total number of points scored from tries at the end of the first half?
2. What was the total number of points scored from penalties at the end of the first half?
3. What was the total number of points scored by the end of the first half?
Rugby Player nutrition
International rugby players use a lot of energy whilst playing games and in the hard training sessions which are needed to reach international level. The energy has to be replaced by eating the right foods. Here is what a typical rugby player might eat during the day (remember that they use a lot more energy up training and in matches!):
Meal Foods
Breakfast Porridge with honey and mixed fresh fruit, eggs on toast.
Lunch
Chicken and rice, or salad with various vegetables, or an omelette with asparagus and potato.
Nuts, fresh fruit, yoghurt and granola.
Dinner Steak with sweet potato, chickpeas, runner beans, and carrots or lentils and bean chilli.
Drinks Water, milk.
Compare your typical daily diet to a professional rugby player. You could keep a food diary for a day – include all of your meals, snacks, drinks and treats.
Snack
Snack
Rugby Fitness - Health and Wellbeing
Can you name some foods that belong to the following food groups? And why they are important.
Carbohydrates
Chicken (EXAMPLE)
Bread (EXAMPLE)
Apple (EXAMPLE)
International rugby players need to be very fit to play the game at the top level. They have to train very hard in all types of fitness, every day of the week.
There are five types of fitness activities: Why are they important in rugby?
Scrums (EXAMPLE) Score a try (EXAMPLE) Step around a tackle (EXAMPLE) Play a full game (EXAMPLE) Getting a turnover (EXAMPLE)
Keep a record or diary of all the sports activities you take part in for one week and write in what type of fitness is needed for that activity. For example:
Name Lisa Thomson
Position Centre
DOB 7/9/1997
Club Ealing Trailfinders
Caps 69
Height 1.69m
Weight 75kg
Lisa Thomson has built a distinguished rugby career, beginning with early success at Langholm RFC and progressing through Scotland’s U18 and U20 teams. She earned her first senior cap in 2016 and went on to captain Scotland during the 2018/19 season. A constant presence in the national side, Lisa has represented Scotland in several Six Nations campaigns, the 2021 Rugby World Cup (played in 2022), and the WXV2 competitions in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, she became the 26th Scottish woman to earn 50 caps. Her club career includes stints with LMRCV in France, Sale Sharks, and DMP Sharks, and she signed with Ealing Trailfinders for the 2024/25 PWR season.
Equally accomplished in Sevens, Lisa debuted for Scotland in 2016 and went on to compete in six Rugby Europe tournaments, the World Series Qualifier in Hong Kong, and the Commonwealth Games in 2022. She became an Olympian at Tokyo 2020 and played a key role in helping GB7s qualify for Paris 2024, winning gold at the 2023 European Games. Her achievements across both formats of the game were recognised with a sustainable statue in 2024, commemorating her influence on Scottish rugby.
Using the player profile on page 23 make up your own profile.
It should tell others about you, your interests, any sports or activities you enjoy, who your favourite players are and what you are good at. Or, could you complete it for one of your classmate’s profiles?
See if you can find out:
• The sport they play the most?
• Their favourite sportsperson?
• Does anyone in your class play for a sports club or team?
• What is the most interesting thing you can find out about one of your friends?
• Their superpowers?
Favourite sports include:
Favourite player is:
I’m also good at:
My superpowers are:
About me
Rugby Hair Styles
When watching Scotland in the RWC 25 you will see a lot of the team with their hair plaited. This has become a pre match / night before a game routine for the squad. Doing most of the hair styles is Elis Martin, a hooker for Scotland and Loughborough Lightning. Elis was even showcased on her club’s Instagram page as she plaited her team mate’s hair and had a chat.
Important note for parents, guardians, teachers or caregivers: Before sharing any video content from this pack with children, we recommend that you watch the videos first to ensure they are appropriate for your audience and align with your school or household values.
Please note: Scottish Rugby does not encourage or require children to sign up for any social media channels as part of consuming this content. Any external content accessed via links, QR codes, or social media channels is not the responsibility of Scottish Rugby.
Match preparation
What’s in my kit bag?
Imagine you’re getting ready for a big match. Draw what you’d pack in your kit bag in the space below. Use the examples from the team as inspiration—then add your own essentials!
Scottish Rugby youtube.com/shorts/chaSkWyr1lk
Scottish Rugby youtube.com/shorts/up2Tw6JhE0Y
Making a Rugby Collage
Expressing feelings, ideas, thoughts and solutions.
Show your pride and cheer on Scotland in the Rugby World Cup.
Design a class collage that celebrates the team, the fans, and everything Scottish rugby.
Think about including:
• Scotland’s team colours and logo
• Famous players and moments
• Tartan patterns and national symbols
• Words of encouragement and chants
• What supporting Scotland means to you!
Colourful – pleasing to the eye
Recognisable – rugby ideas
Easily seen - when entering class
Fun to make! - everyone contributes
POSITIVE INTRODUCTION TO RUGBY
Fun fact: Emma Wassell first took up rugby when a local coach from Ellon Rugby Club introduced her to the sport during a P.E. lesson at Ellon Academy at age 15.
Spot the Difference
1. Can you spot the 5 differences?
Wordsearch
Can you find all the rugby-related words hidden in the puzzle?
Try
Referee
Scrumhalf
Lineout
Ball
Tackle
Win
Forward
Pass
Hooker
Run
Halftime
Prop
Dropgoal
Captain
Gumshield
Season
Ticket
Fans
Conversion
Boots
Teamwork
Player
Back
The Rugby Ball
1. Use the rugby ball shape below to design a pattern logo or motif for your school or team.
Examine a rugby ball
2. Complete the table below with your findings.
Weight
Length
Circumference
3. Can you make your own rugby ball from other materials?
Glossary:
Here are some common rugby related words and their meanings.
Words Meaning
Forwards Positions 1-8 take part in scrums and line-outs.
Backs Positions 9-15 play behind scrums and line-outs.
Prop Player who plays left or right side of the front row of a scrum.
Hooker
Scrum-half
Scrum
Lineout
Ruck
Maul
Player who plays in the middle of the front row of a scrum, between the props (no.2).
Player who puts the ball into scrum and passes the ball away from a scrum or line-out.
A way of restarting the game - the forwards from each team come together and push against each other.
A way of restarting the game when the ball goes out of play (into touch) the forwards from each team line up side by side and jump to win the ball when thrown in.
A method of winning the ball in open play usually after a tackle, when players from each team attempt to push, drive or step over the ball and tackle players.
A method of winning the ball or protecting the ball in open play from the other team by ripping or pulling it away from them.
Try When an attacking player crosses the goal line and grounds the ball or presses it down without losing control. Worth 5 points.
Conversion
Penalty
Drop-kick
Hand-off
Tackle
After a try has been scored, a player from the scoring team is allowed to take a place kick and attempt to kick it over the cross bar and between the posts. The kick must be taken from a spot opposite where the try was scored. Worth 2 points.
If a penalty is awarded to a team, a player from that team may choose to take a place kick at the goal. Worth 3 points.
A drop-kick is a kick that the player makes by striking the ball with their foot exactly as the ball drops and hits the ground. If they drop-kick the ball and it travels between the posts, this is known as a drop-goal. This is worth 3 points.
A player running with a ball may push a defending player away during an attempted tackle by using an open hand.
A tackle is the method of stopping an attacking player. In the professional game the tackler must tackle below the shoulders and should attempt to knock the player on to the ground while holding onto the legs. A tackled player must always release the ball immediately when tackled.
Lineout
Scrum Penalty Tackle
BOOK A BEHIND-THE-SCENES STADIUM TOUR
Public guided tours run twice daily: Monday - Thursday | 11am and 2pm And three times on: Friday - Sunday | 11am, 1pm and 2pm. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
