Winning Ways

Former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick has been asked to take part in a one-on-one mentoring initiative with a group of young Scotland players. Fitzpatrick will be linked with Ross Ford, the present Scotland hooker who, barring injury, is certain to retain his place for the international on November 8, as part of the ‘Winning Mentors’ programme. The idea is that former union stars will work with the younger players, helping them to achieve all that they can in the sport. If the pilot programme in rugby is a success, it will be rolled out to other sports, with hockey probably next in line. Winning Mentors manager Scotland and British Isles fly half Gregor Townsend said of those selected: “It is about passing on their knowledge – and the knowledge we have within the programme is fantastic.” Fitzpatrick is a motivational speaker and analyst for the BBC and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.