Open trials for places in the under-20 squad for the new season will take place at Murrayfield on Saturday 9 October 2010.

Players will be selected from the trials and will be informed via the Scotland Women web site the following week. Selected players will be expected to attend all training and games, and adhere to the strength and conditioning training programme.

To be eligible, players must have been born in 1991, 1992 or 1993. Eligible 17-year-olds wishing to take part in the trials should have been awarded exception approval to particpate before the trial date.  Further details can be found in the Age Bands & Exceptions (Girls' Rugby) 2010-11 Policy. Exception Form 5 should be used to apply.

Players MUST complete and return the required paperwork prior to attending the trials. This comprises:
Completed trials registration form
Completed eligibility form (s)
Completed residency form (if needed)
Players who do not complete the paperwork and return it will NOT BE ABLE TO TRIAL. Players CANNOT just turn up on the day. All completed paperwork should be returned to Jenny Macleod, Scottish Rugby, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12 5PJ

Players MUST bring with them proof of eligibility - their original birth certificate (parent’s birth certificate if needed). This is the only documents that is valid.

So what are we looking for? Players will be selected upon:
1)      Rugby skills and ability
2)      Attitude and coach-ability
3)      Commitment to the full programme
4)      Physical athleticism and conditioning

Players must bring  rugby training kit / gum shields / pads / boots / trainers / water bottles and drinks / lunch / strapping / waterproofs / emergency contact details and the day will run as follows:

9.30am: Meet at tunnel at Murrayfield to register

Morning: Skills training / acquisition in the morning with fitness test

Afternoon: Game

A squad of 26 players will be selected and training will consist of core skills, enhancing players' rugby education and fostering a winning attitude.

On the ground, players will be tested in core skills including handling and contact, and will have position-specific training.

Their rugby education will be broadened through an emphasis on strength and conditioning and athletic ability while close attention will also be paid to attracting talented players from other sporting fields.

Each player will be mentored and involved in setting individual goals, so mentally preparing them for the task in hand. Players will be expected to show the same level of commitment as the senior team to training, attending squad weekends and attaining their personal goals.

The squad is expected to compete at international level, in a programme similar to that of the national team, with long-term expectations of taking part in the 2014 and 2018 Rugby World Cups.

Scotland Women under-20 programme 2010/11
Selection
Saturday 9 October – open trials for all Scottish Qualified under-20 players

Training
31 October – Scotland Women under-20 training day
27/28 November – Scotland Women under-20 training weekend / fitness testing
19 December – Scotland Women under-20 training day
8 January – Scotland Women under-20 training day
15 January – Scotland Women under-20 training day / fitness testing
29/30 January – Scotland Women under-20 training weekend
6 February – players to attend regional training day
27 February – players to attend regional training day
5 March – Scotland Women under-20 training day
23 April – Scotland Women debrief day

Skills clinics
Tuesday 19 October
Tuesday 2 November
Tuesday 16 November
Tuesday 30 November
Tuesday 14 December
Tuesday 18 January
Tuesday 8 February
Tuesday 22 February
Tuesday 8 March
Tuesday 15 March

Competition
Weekend of 13 February – Wales (h)
Weekend of 13 March – England (a)
Players to attend regional matches – 27 February / 20 March

Specialist coaching
Position specific training (12 month programme)