Schools rugby

FOLLOWING on from Ulster Rugby’s highly successful visit to the City of Derry last summer for a day of training and engagement with fans, the IRFU Ulster Branch has confirmed that two Rugby Development Events will take place at Judges Road today (Wednesday) and tomorrow which could see more than 500 children take part.

Today, the club will host a Primary Schools’ Tag Extravaganza with approximately 14 local schools participating in a fun festival of rugby. The youngsters at the event, which will run from 11am to 1pm, will be joined by an Ulster Rugby star who will be on hand to sign autographs and pass on some words of advice.

Tomorrow, will see Under 14 teams from six local schools compete for The Mowbray Shield. Foyle College are joined in the competition by St. Columb’s, Strabane Academy, Castlederg High School, Limavady High School and a combined team from Lisneal & Oakgrove Integrated. The competition is due to get underway at 10am and will conclude at approximately 1pm.

These events have come about as a result of continual collaboration between the IRFU Ulster Branch, Derry City Council, City of Derry RFC and Foyle College to increase rugby participation opportunities in the North West and a spokesperson for City of Derry described the event as a great way to introduce children to the sport.

“This will be a great event. It will introduce children and their families to City of Derry Rugby Club many of whom will be visiting Judges Road for the first time,” explained the spokesperson

“We would like to invite all Mini and Youth Coaches to come along with any players who are available and give a hand to the Ulster Branch Development Coaches who will also be involved.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for the young players to meet and get advice from a professional rugby players while enjoying a fun filled day out.”