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It’s magic Moorfield!

30/ 5/2007

SALE Sharks hosted a tag-rugby festival at North Manchester Rugby Club last week as part of the on-going EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme.

The festival was won by Hazel Grove-based Moorfield primary school after they beat Cheadle Catholic primary school in the final.

The other schools that took part included St Peter's RC primary, Gatley primary, Cheadle Heath junior, Pownall Green primary school and Vernon Park primary school, all from Stockport.

Pupils from the schools have all been involved in the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme, receiving coaching from Sale Sharks and equipment to ensure a lasting rugby legacy for schools for years to come.

Coaches have been to every school to train teachers and coach children, and clubs have also held education coaching evenings as part of the programme.

The increasingly popular EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme aims to introduce close to 100,000 children to the sport over the next three years.

Louise Poole, EDF Energy's Head of Brand, said: "We're committed to developing the grassroots of the sport through the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme.

"The regional festivals are a celebration of all the hard work that schools and clubs have put in to the coaching programme so far."

Tag rugby is a non-contact version of the sport that teaches the skills necessary to go on and play rugby union.

England captain Jason Robinson said: "We've been working with schools and the response has been fantastic.

"Tag rugby is a brilliant introduction to the sport and the new EDF Energy programme is giving thousands of children the chance to get involved."

Wayne Morris, Community Marketing Manager at Premier Rugby, said: "The first year of the EDF Energy programme has been a great success.

"We have been into a huge number of schools, using tag rugby to introduce new children to the sport.

"We hope to leave a legacy of sporting equipment and expertise to keep children involved in rugby for years to come."