The introduction of cluster tournaments into two areas in Cardiff saw 160 year seven pupils from 10 schools play fun, open rugby.
Joe Davies, WRU Player Development Officer for Cardiff set up the cluster format in conjunction with Cardiff Schools Rugby Union.
Speaking on the tournaments, Mr Davies commented: “The whole idea behind the programme is to get kids who have little or no rugby experience participating in the game.”
Schools from the west of Cardiff met at Mary Immaculate High School for their cluster festival where 103 pupils from seven different schools took part.
Ryan Crimmins, PE teacher at Mary Immaculate High School, said: “The day was brilliant. It was fantastic to see so many children participating in rugby and enjoying playing as part of a team environment. It was very well organised and I’d like to thank Joe and his team for all their efforts.”
The other tournament was held on the east side of Cardiff at Rumney High school and saw 57 players from three schools take part.
Mr Davies added: “Both tournaments were a great success and I am looking to run them for other age groups.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the players for their conduct at the tournaments and the teachers for bringing their teams along. I hope all of them enjoyed it and I would finally like to thank both Mary Immaculate and Rumney for being proactive in allowing us to use their facilities to hold the tournaments.”
Cluster tournaments for years eight and nine are being planned for after the Christmas period. For more information on how to get involved in these tournaments, contact Joe Davies on jdavies@wru.co.uk.
