EDF Energy Cup - : Pupils in Manchester set to play at Twickenham Stadium

Children playing at a festival earlier this year

Pupils in Manchester set to play at Twickenham Stadium

20 November 2007, 11:05 am

By Dan Pritchard

Children in Manchester are set to play tag rugby in front of tens of thousands of fans at the EDF Energy Cup final at Twickenham, home of English rugby.

Sale Sharks have been working with St John’s Primary School this term as part of the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme.

And their triumph at a recent EDF Energy rugby festival run by the Sharks, means a team from St John’s, in Chorlton, will be running out at Twickenham Stadium to play in tag rugby demonstration games at half-time in the EDF Energy Cup Final on Saturday April 12.

The school is one of many that Guinness Premiership clubs have been working with across the country through the schools programme, which is teaching tag rugby to 112,000 boys and girls, aged 8-10.

Owen Lucas, sports coaching co-ordinator at St John’s, said: “It’s been fantastic and has definitely raised the profile of rugby in the area on the back of the Rugby World Cup. It’s been so popular and having professional coaches makes it that much more real for the kids.

“They’ve loved it and to do so well in the festival and to play at the EDF Energy Cup final at Twickenham will be brilliant. I’ve got the job of picking which 10 children will go for 120 in year five and six, which is not going to be easy!”

The EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme is helping to introduce 112,000 children to the sport across England.

Louise Poole, Head of Brand at EDF Energy, said: “Well done to everyone at St John’s. Sale Sharks have been working really hard to introduce hundreds of children to rugby through the programme.

“EDF Energy is committed to rugby from the grassroots to the elite and wants to give as many children as possible the chance to play at big games in the EDF Energy Cup and Guinness Premiership. They don’t get much bigger than the cup final and I’m sure St John’s will have a fantastic day at Twickenham.”

Sale Sharks have already worked with more than 25 schools since the programme began in January 2007.

Jonny Acheson, Community Manager at Sale Sharks, said: “St John's Primary School have been part of Sale Sharks tag delivery in Manchester and most recently at the EDF Energy festival they were outstanding, winning every game they played.

“The children seemed to really enjoy the opportunity handed to them by the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme and are now looking forward to representing Sale Sharks at the EDF Energy Cup Final.”

Schools from across the country will come together to represent clubs at the EDF Energy Cup Final in April.

Since its launch in January 2007, more than 40,000 children have been introduced to the game through the programme, with every Guinness Premiership club and National League One sides Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs coaching children, training teachers and running regional festivals.

Every six weeks dozens more schools join the programme. EDF Energy also supply equipment, including tag belts and balls, to ensure schools can carry on playing the sport for years to come.

The Government has also recognised the achievements of the programme, with the National Sports Foundation awarding a grant of almost £200,000 in July, so even more children and schools can benefit.

EDF Energy became Premier Rugby’s Community Partner to support the grassroots of the game, alongside the energy company’s sponsorship of the EDF Energy Cup, EDF Energy National Trophy, EDF Energy Intermediate Cup, EDF Energy Senior Vase and EDF Energy Junior Vase.