Search for young rugby stars in Newport
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Mark O’Leary, Newport RFC, was co-ordinator for the rugby blitz for primary school pupils.Image 2 of 4
Newport Boys NS team, winners of the rugby blitz after receiving the trophy with Mark O’Leary, Newport RFC, and Munster Women’s player, Claire Bennet.Image 3 of 4
Rearcross NS team who were the runners-up in the rugby blitz organised by Newport RFC.Image 4 of 4
Birdhill NS team who participated in the Newport RFC rugby blitz.More than 200 primary school pupils braved blizzard-like weather conditions to partake in a rugby blitz, some experiencing the sport at competitive level for the first time.
The search for superstars of the future at the sport was organised as a promotion for the sport for senior classes at six primary schools in the region by Newport RFC in conjunction with Newport College and CA Sports.
Originally planned to be played at the clubs Rockvale Park, Newport, the atrocious weather conditions last week rendered the grounds unplayable, but the organisers were not deterred and in a last minute decision to ensure that “the show must go on”, facilities were secured at the all-weather grounds at Murroe.
The senior class pupils from primary schools at Newport, Castleconnell, Birdhill, Lackamore, Murroe and Rearcross were not deterred by the gale force wind and torrential showers from full participation in the two and a half hour blitz.
The pupils were accompanied by their teachers and present also was Munster Women's player, Claire Bennet. Sponsorship for the event included a set of jerseys for the winning team, trophies, and some warming hospitality to ease the cold.
Mark O'Leary, Newport RFC, who co-ordinated the event explained: “The thought behind the process of holding this is to see if we can get more rugby played in Primary Schools and maybe over time get a Primary Schools Rugby League going.
“The pupils involved are all from surrounding areas and include some that currently play Rugby outside of school and those who haven’t ever played rugby before. We are hoping to find some new stars.”
Newport RFC already have teams in their underage division ranging from U6 years through to U15 years but believe that there is an opportunity for more of the young people in the broader Newport and surrounding areas to avail of the grounds which they have developed and participate in the sport.
After hours of enthusiastic rugby, Newport Boys NS team emerged the winners of the blitz, taking the trophy and sponsored set of jerseys. The runners-up were Rearcross NS team.
The organisers are hoping that the experience for the young people will be the beginning of many hours of enjoyment playing rugby into the future.