Gareth prepares Scotland's elite stars for rugby clash in Paris

Sports therapy lecturer Gareth Bate is flying out to Paris to give Scotland a helping hand in their weekend clash against France in the Six Nations rugby tournament.

Former UCB graduate Gareth, who joined the University’s teaching staff last year, will be helping the Scottish players to prepare for the match in the Stade de France, which takes place on Sunday.

It is the fourth Six Nations tournament the 32-year-old lecturer has worked at, ensuring the elite sportsmen are in tip-top shape when they take to the field of play.

Gareth worked with Ospreys in Wales and Welsh Rugby Union before he was approached to assist with the medical team supporting Scottish Rugby.

The game against France represents his first overseas trip with the Scottish team. Gareth says: “I will be helping to ensure the players are mobile enough to perform at their best.

“The players dictate what they need and we go through their preferences. If players are coming back from injury they could have specific needs.”