Young rugby players in all local schools are set to benefit from new tag rugby kit which will help to increase access to the sport for students.
680 tag belts and tags, have been donated by Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management to primary and junior schools and 540 rugby balls have been contributed by local fund-raising group Only Fools and Donkeys which will be used by junior and secondary school students.
Some of the new kit was presented to students at La Mare De Carteret School by head of portfolio management at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, Chris Colclough, rugby development officer, Steve Melbourne, and Only Fools and Donkeys co-founder, Ray Smart.
Mr Colclough said: “Tag ruby is a fantastic opportunity for young players to learn the sport in a fun and engaging way so we’re very pleased to donate the tag and belt sets so more young islanders have the opportunity to take part.
“Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management is proud to support the work Steve and the rugby development team do in promoting rugby in our schools. They have a key role in championing rugby excellence locally and honing important life skills, such as team work and good communication, in the island’s future players. We are confident our donation will assist them in delivering this great work.”
Ray Smart added: “Rugby has played a significant part in my and Mike’s lives and we are delighted to be able to help introduce young people to the game by providing rugby balls to all the primary, junior and secondary schools across the island.
“With tag, touch and contact there is a version of rugby that everyone can play and we hope all the pupils will get as much enjoyment and reward from the game as we have.”
Steve Melbourne, rugby development officer, said: “The rugby development team is keen to raise the profile of rugby in schools so we are very grateful to receive the donation of new kit from Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management and Only Fools and Donkeys.
“The extra tag belts and rugby balls will enable teachers and sports coaches to work with children during and after school to enable students at all levels of education to have the chance to try rugby which is great for developing the sport in the island.”
