Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme – London Irish coaches are delivering a 6 week tag rugby programme into 50 schools across the Berkshire and Hampshire area in partnership with Aviva.

In its second season, the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme represents a significant investment (£2 million) by Aviva into the grass roots level of the game. Resources will go towards supporting over 1,200 teachers in 650 schools across the country whilst also providing all the kit necessary to play tag rugby.

Aligned to the national curriculum and PE syllabus and designed to unearth the next generation of rugby stars. The number of children who will have taken part in the scheme, delivered by London Irish and the other 11 Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs, by the end of this season is enough to fill Twickenham Stadium. The Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme is aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils.

London Irish will work with two classes at 50 schools. The Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme involves a six week introduction to rugby:
• Weeks 1-3:
Skill development and learning the rules
• Weeks 3-5:
Skill development and team skills
• Week 6:
Festival

The tag rugby festival in week six will be the first taste of competitive rugby for many children and will allow schools that are new to rugby to participate in a fun tag rugby festival with schools of a similar standard. One school from each Premiership Rugby club region will qualify for the Finals at Twickenham on Aviva Premiership Rugby Final day where they will represent their Premiership Rugby club.

Wayne Morris, Community Manager at Premiership Rugby, said "The Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme is a fantastic opportunity for children to get to know the sport of rugby, learn new skills and gain in confidence. I would like to thank Aviva for their commitment in helping us to provide this fabulous opportunity to help develop the grassroots of the game in new rugby playing schools."

Tackling Numbers with MBNA – Tackling Numbers is an interactive numeracy programme for young children, developed and delivered by Premiership Rugby in partnership with MBNA. This five week programme aims to teach 8-9 year olds the importance of number skills in everyday life.

The rugby-themed programme will be delivered in schools by London Irish coaches, through both classroom sessions and practical number-based rugby games. This innovative and engaging programme will make learning about numbers fun, exciting and rewarding. It will inspire children to both improve their numeracy skills and their physical health.
 
If you want to find out more about the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme, please contact Ben Lee: ben.lee@london-irish.com