In November 2006 Premier Rugby announced a three-year deal with EDF Energy to become its Community Partner and sponsor of the National Schools Rugby Programme (NSRP). The deal will run alongside the company's sponsorship of the EDF Energy Cup. The programme is one of the most comprehensive in world rugby and will involve close to 100,000 children and teachers at primary schools across England. Schools where rugby has never been played before will be targeted. Not only will the programme give children an introduction to rugby union through the tag rugby version of the sport, but it will also ensure that teachers receive quality coaching and provide enough equipment to leave a rugby legacy in schools for years to come. Each Premiership club will on average work with over 100 schools during the three year programme. |  |
London Irish star Bob Casey said: "Our goal at London Irish has always been to have a club firmly rooted in its community and that's why I am so pleased to lend my support to the new programme. We are grateful to EDF Energy for their long-term commitment, which means London Irish and other Premiership clubs will be able to run this programme and introduce thousands of children to the game. We need to encourage more children to lead healthy lifestyles and take up sport, and I firmly believe that should be through rugby."
The Community Team have been delivering the EDF Energy National School’s Rugby Programme across Berkshire, Hampshire and the Sunbury area since January 2007. To date, over 50 schools have taken part in the scheme giving hundreds of Year 5 and Year 6 pupils the opportunity to learn how to play tag rugby. Check out some of them in action below!
For more information or to register your school's interest in the scheme please email community@london-irish.com
The EDF Energy NSRP run in association with the National Sports Foundation
