As the capital side faced Bordeaux-Begles in the Challenge Cup this past Friday night, a small section of the 5,432 in attendance – who happened to be visually impaired - were taking in the 16-16 draw via the club’s brand-new Braille Rugby programme.



This ground-breaking project, which has been developed in partnership with BATS and the Royal Blind School, is believed to be the first of its kind and allows those who are visually impaired to follow the match with the help of a braille ‘rugby pitch’ and audio commentary.

Edinburgh Rugby Head of Community, Ruaridh Pye, explains: “The concept is simple but also complex. We have designed and produced a rugby pitch which is printed in braille, while providing an FM radio channelled to BBC Radio Scotland.

“A guide is able move the visually impaired spectator’s fingers across the board to illustrate where the match is in real time. The current group of guides are all Duke of Edinburgh pupils from the city's Trinity Academy, who are using this as an opportunity to build up their voluntary hours, but also vital life and communication skills.

“The spectator can hear and feel the environment, giving him or her an opportunity to maximise their sporting experience.”