Wokingham

Bearwood Primary School, Wokingham has been tackling rugby union head on – with help from London Irish Rugby Club.

Through the EDF National Schools Rugby Programme, years five and six at Bearwood Primary School have been coached in tag rugby this year, by London Irish community development manager Philippos Kyriacou and community coach Ben Thurlow, as part of a scheme aiming to introduce children to rugby union through the tag rugby version of the sport.

And on Sunday April 15, the Wokingham school was invited to the national festival of rugby which was held on the hallowed turf at Twickenham prior to the EDF Energy Cup Final. Headteacher Jane Newman said: “We took 10 children and their families to Twickenham. The day was magical and an experience that those who attended will never forget. As a small school we enter all sporting events with full enthusiasm, determination and perseverance. Linda Burton, our subject leader for PE, has brought sport alive in our school and drives the children forward to participate in activities both in school and outside.”

At half time during the cup final, Bearwood children took part in a tag rugby demonstration, along with children from 16 other schools. The demonstration was organised by the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme, which is managed by Premier Rugby and involves every premier club together with National league one sides Exeter Chiefs and Cornish Pirates. The programme is introducing close to 100,000 children to rugby union.

Wokingham Borough Council’s head of universal services for children Chris Jones said: “It is great to hear that Bearwood Primary School was invited to attend the rugby festival and that the children have gained so much from the experience. Physical health is so important for all our children and we

Wokingham Borough Council