5th September 2008
News and events
Leeds schools get active with Tag Rugby
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
The finest Year 5 and 6 school rugby teams in Leeds were discovered in a major competition held at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds.Mixed teams made up of 10 and 11-year-olds from 24 schools from all over the city battled it out in the Leeds Schools Tag Rugby Finals.
Organised by Leeds City Council with support from the Leeds Schools Sports Partnerships, Leeds Rugby Foundation, the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the competition initially involved teams from 150 schools in Leeds with local festivals held to determine the 24 finalists.
Playing to generic tag rugby rules, each squad contained 10 players with at least three girls, the teams played 10-minute matches in the group stage before knockout matches led to a final to produce the champions and runners-up. Both the winners and runners-up received trophies while everyone taking part also received a certificate.
Leeds City Council Executive Member for Leisure Councillor John Procter said:
“Tag rugby is great way of helping people of all ages get active, and it is great fun for young people to have a go at. Having so many schools take part is fantastic, but apart from just participating it is also good to have a competitive element like this too, which will help these young people develop team spirit and aim for success.”
Andrew Wilson, Rugby League Development Officer said
“Thank you to all the support for the finals of the first annual Leeds City Schools Tag Rugby Finals. Although the weather was dull the event certainly wasn't and the general feedback from the schools was very positive. From Ronnie the Rhino, JCCS facility staff, teachers and support staff and to all the coaching staff the day was a tremendous success.”