A RUGBY-MAD South Ayrshire teenager has been chosen to take part in a 'young ambassador' programme promoting climate awareness among grassroots rugby clubs across Scotland.

Daryl Conway, 19, from Carrick RFC in Maybole, has been named as one of 15 winners in the Royal Bank RugbyForce initiative's 2023 Young Ambassador programme.

Representing grassroots clubs across Scotland, each Young Ambassador will now be given the tools and training required to lead their club to become more climate aware and promote positive environmental action in the local community.

A spokesperson for the programme said Daryl’s application stood out amongst competition from across the country.

It will see him to introduce new measures to improve the sustainability of the current program of rugby diversity sessions currently held by Carrick RFC.

Daryl will use his role to provide a new transport service through Maybole and Girvan to make the sessions more accessible for players and reduce emissions in the process.

The Young Ambassadors will have access to their own £500 grant to contribute towards successfully delivering their project.

To kick off the programme Daryl and his fellow Young Ambassador winners will be hosted by Royal Bank of Scotland at Murrayfield. The new winners will get the chance to meet some Scotland legends as well as to discuss their aims and aspirations for their project.

Daryl said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity from Royal Bank RugbyForce to become a Young Ambassador and represent my club on a national level.

"We are a community driven club looking to boost our membership post-Covid. As we do so, we must remain mindful of our impact on the local environment. I’m excited to use this role to lead our club on this sustainability journey.”

Judith Cruickshank, chair of the Royal Bank of Scotland's One Bank Scotland Board: “This year, with the Young Ambassador programme, we wanted to encourage young people to think about the importance of tackling climate change and building a greener future together.

“The standard of applications has been excellent. This generation of grassroots leaders are delivering vital work, playing key roles in supporting their clubs to take environmental action and further their relationships with local communities.

“Daryl is an excellent environmental advocate for his club. We are looking forward to supporting his ambition and we wish them the greatest success."