NEWPORT High School Old Boys are looking to once again benefit from the Welsh Rugby Union’s Participation Points scheme.

The £750,000 project provides equipment to the community game with clubs able to choose what products they want from reward points based on criteria such as number of teams from under-7s to senior level and the number of first-aiders, match officials and coaches they have.

Reward points can they be exchanged for products within an extensive catalogue that have been negotiated through selected partners such as Gilbert, SWALEC and Rhino.

The scheme proved to be a hit in 2010 with the governing body helping to distribute plenty of equipment, including more than 1,000 hit shields, 376 whistles, 433 first aid kits and 37 scrum machines.

“The scheme was very valuable for us back in 2010 and for a club like ours equipment is at a premium so it was great to be able to provide the different sides and age groups with the equipment they needed,” said NHSOB secretary Caroline Studley.

“We run two seniors sides, a youth team, a vets team, junior sides from under-7s through to under-16s, a girls group and the specials.

“We spoke to all the groups to see what they most needed and it was great to be able to provide some of what they wanted. to help with their training sessions.

“On a Sunday morning our pitches are busy with up to seven of our age groups playing friendly matches at the same time, supported by their families and it is pleasing to have sufficient equipment to make this possible.

“Equipment is so valuable to a club like ours and we are delighted to have another opportunity once again this year.”

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said: “Clubs will be receiving the extensive product catalogue in the coming weeks meaning they are able to select what they need, place the order and benefit from the investment this season.”