In partnership with Leeds Rugby Foundation, Hunslet Hawks, Rugby Football Union, Rugby Football League and Leeds City Council Sports Development facilitated a generic tag rugby programme throughout the city with all primary schools.
The unique partnership with both rugby codes has allowed over 7,500 pupils from years 5 and 6 the opportunity to have coaching within schools and play in local festivals before selection to the Leeds Schools City Finals at John Charles Centre for Sport.
A great day of rugby was played in the hot sunshine at JCCS which allowed free flowing games from the 20 teams. The day concluded with an exciting final that was closely contested and eventually won by Weetwood against Drighlington A. Both teams will now progress to the Rugby Football Union Yorkshire Tag2Twickenham finals with the opportunity to play in the national finals. The other two semi finalists were St Mary’s Rothwell and St Mary’s Horsforth, 2011 champions, will represent Leeds schools at the West Yorkshire School Summer game in the Rugby League competition.
The other schools involved on the day were St Bartholomews, Swinnow, Drighlington B, Gledhow A & B, St Patrick’s, East Ardsley, Rufford Park, Whitkirk, Pool C of E, Westerton, Farsley Fairfield, Stanningley, Westend and Parklands primary schools, who all demonstrated to the spectators why they got to the finals. All pupils were a credit to their schools with their attitude, behaviour and commitment.
Special guest from Leeds Rhinos, Keith Senior, who presented certificates to all teams and medals to the finalists, spoke to the players saying: “I am really impressed with the standard of rugby on view and for the age group involved, this form of rugby is an excellent way for girls and boys to enjoy the game and keep active. I hope it brings even more youngsters to these exciting sports of rugby.”