The units are fitted with video equipment capable of relaying live action and still images to the team's coaches and video analysts from up to 300m above the training ground, or from directly behind the players themselves, to offer a player's view of the action.

Speaking from the squad camp at St Andrews, Scotland attack coach, Gregor Townsend, said: "So far preparation for the RBS 6 Nations has gone very well, with every effort made to ensure the players have the best chance to perform in this season's championship, which is why the opportunity to use 'The Flying Scot' has been so well received."

The remote controlled drones were originally used by Scottish Hydro as a safe way to inspect overhead power lines but, keen to offer every avenue to the national team, they recognised the potential for the technology to assist with RBS 6 Nations preparations.

Scotland video analyst, Gavin Scott, added: "The Cyberhawk technology has a lot of potential so we're delighted to have this kind of support from sponsors across the business.

"Viewing the game from above is of huge benefit because it gives you both the breadth of the defensive line but also the space between the attack and defence - so we can gather an awful lot of information from just one piece of footage.

"Hovering close to the action also allows us to view the players' perspective on the action which is something you simply can't get from a camera on the sideline."

Douglas Flowers, Sponsorship Manager at Scottish Hydro, added: "Scottish Hydro is proud to support Scottish Rugby and this is just one of the innovative ways in which we've been able to improve the prospects of the game in Scotland.

"Everyone across Scotland will be willing the team onto RBS 6 Nations success over the coming weeks and we're delighted that this new technology can be of assistance to Andy Robinson and his team as they aim for a successful campaign."

Douglas Walker, of Cyberhawk Innovations, agreed: "It's amazing to see our technology being used in this way. As a proud Scot myself, I'm delighted if we can assist Andy Robinson and the boys."

For further information please contact

Michael James
Media Manager
Tel: +44 (0)131 346 5008
Mob: +44 (0) 7814 61 5553
Fax: +44 (0)131 346 5192
email: michael.james@sru.org.uk

www.scottishrugby.org