The session was part of the RBS 6 Nations with The Prince’s Trust scheme, offering pupils who are at risk of truanting or under-achievement an introduction to the game of rugby through multiple tag rugby sessions, access to players and educational materials. The initiative also provides advice on associated future careers in the game, behind-the-scenes stadium tours and on-the-pitch involvement on match days.
Porth County Community School won a poster competition to also win tickets to tomorrow’s match between Wales and Ireland at the Millennium Stadium. Porth County Community School and The Venture, Wrexham spent the day at the Millennium Stadium today where the students were given a talk by former Wales hooker Garin Jenkins and a Question and Answer session with Wales Women squad members Heledd Stephens and Carys John. They also had a tour of the stadium and watched the Wales captain’s run.
Gethin was thrilled to be involved in the session, commenting: “Sessions like today are great to be a part of. What young people can learn through playing rugby can often be taken off the pitch as well and applied to other areas of their life away from the game, and the RBS 6 Nations with The Prince’s Trust scheme really helps to highlight that.”
Jamie added: “It’s brilliant to see so many kids here enjoying rugby – especially as many have never had first-hand experience of playing the game. And you never know, if they take a shine to it, with enough dedication and the right support, any one of them could become a future Wales star. So it’s really rewarding for us to be able to help them on their way.”
Other clubs which have been involved in the project this season include Heolddu Comprehensive, Bargoed; SMART Project Ammanford; Flexible Learning Programme, Llandarcy and Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard;
Since its launch in 2005, the programme has helped almost 1,000 young people. These sessions form part of the overall RBS RugbyLink programme, working with schools, charities and clubs to connect people with rugby and all its benefits – both on and off the pitch.
For more information visit www.rbs6nations.com/rugbylink
