Rugby Football Union - England RWC star visits Hounslow school

England RWC star visits Hounslow school

by RFU press office


	Tait talks rugby with pupils from Heath School photo by EDF Energy

November 2 2007

Hounslow Heath Junior got a world class taste of rugby yesterday when England’s Mathew Tait visited the west London School as part of EDF Energy’s National Schools Rugby Programme.

Rugby World Cup star Tait fielded questions from a packed 400-pupil assembly and joined in a coaching session with pupils, held by Premier Rugby and Harlequins Community Development Officer Ben Thurlow. Local Hounslow MP Alan Keen also attended to meet Mathew and add his support to EDF Energy’s school rugby initiative.

Since its launch in January 2007, 32,000 children have already been introduced to the game through the programme, with every Guinness Premiership club and two National League One sides coaching children, training teachers and running regional festivals.

Tait is an ambassador for the EDF Energy scheme, now in its first full season. One of the most comprehensive rugby programmes in the world, it will introduce around 112,000 more children to the sport, through the tag rugby version of the game.


Tait leads the fun photo by EDF Energy

Speaking from the event, Mathew Tait said, “I think it’s great that EDF Energy is committed to rugby in this country right from the grassroots. I’ve really enjoyed meeting the Hounslow Heath Junior School pupils today and taking part in the coaching session.

"Following all our success at the Rugby World Cup it’s encouraging that supporters of the game, like EDF Energy, are seeing the need to lay foundations for future success right now. Who knows, the programme could be introducing the sport to a future England rugby player as we speak.”

The Rugby World Cup star is set to play for Newcastle Falcons against Newport Gwent Dragons tomorrow in round two of the EDF Energy Cup.

Alan Keen MP added, “I’m delighted the pupils at Hounslow Heath Junior School have had the opportunity to meet a true England rugby star. We had a fantastic morning, and I’ve really enjoyed speaking to Mathew and seeing the children receiving excellent coaching from Premier Rugby.


	Hounslow pupils cheer the World Cup star photo by EDF Energy

"I’d like to pass my thanks on to Harlequins Community Development Officer Ben Thurlow for running the coaching session, EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme, and of course Mathew for visiting us.

"Who knows, the next generation of England Rugby World Cup stars could be growing up here in Hounslow, right now!”

Louise Poole, EDF Energy’s Head of Brand, said, “The programme is getting a new generation of youngsters into rugby in a fun and safe way, which is fantastic.

“Tens of thousands of children are involved, which is great news for the future of rugby at grassroots, not only for schools rugby and local clubs but for helping to produce the next generation of fans and professional players.

“Clubs have been brilliant at engaging with children and giving teachers the confidence and skills to coach and we’re delighted Mathew Tait has joined us here today in Hounslow to continue this good work. For the first full season to be getting underway off the back of an enthralling Rugby World Cup is perfect timing.”

Every Guinness Premiership side, as well as National League One clubs Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs, is involved, introducing tag rugby to 8-10 year olds through six weeks of coaching at each school. Every six weeks dozens more schools join the programme. EDF Energy also supplies equipment, including tag belts and balls, to ensure schools can carry on playing the sport for years to come.

Premier Rugby's Community Manager Wayne Morris added, "After England's great performance in last month's World Cup, it is appropriate that we are starting to think about the next generation of players.

“A host of young English talent will be starting the 2007/8 Premiership season and we hope that players like Mathew Tait, Anthony Allen, Toby Flood, James Haskell, and Danny Cipriani will inspire children participating in the EDF Energy programme and get young people interested in rugby union, whether they are future internationals or social players. In many ways our partnership with EDF Energy is a great example of professional sport and a private partner working together for the good of the sport at all levels."

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 over the next two years.

Tag rugby is a non-contact version of the sport that teaches the skills necessary to go on and play rugby union. The programme is for boys and girls and runs to the end of the school year in 2009.

Players from every club in the programme have visited schools, helping with coaching. Twenty schools also went through from regional festivals to play in demonstration games at the 2006/07 EDF Energy Cup semi-finals and final at the Millennium Stadium and Twickenham.

EDF Energy became Premier Rugby’s Community Partner in January 2007 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. EDF Energy was a broadcast sponsor for the 2007 Rugby World Cup and parent company EDF a tournament sponsor.

To find out more go to www.edfenergyrugby.com

ENDS

For more information and licence free photography from today contact:
Louise Stevenson, Lexis PR
0207 908 6466
lstevenson@lexispr.com

Additional Information
Alongside EDF Energy’s new role as Premier Rugby’s Community Partner and sponsor of the National Schools Rugby Programme, the company agreed a three-year deal from the 2006/07 season with the Rugby Football Union and Premier Rugby to sponsor the EDF Energy Cup along with the RFU’s national cup competitions – the EDF Energy National Trophy (formerly Shield), EDF Energy Intermediate Cup, EDF Energy Senior and Junior Vase. EDF group is a sponsor of the IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 and a major partner of European Rugby Cup Ltd, organiser of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup.

EDF Energy is one of the UK's largest energy companies, providing power to a quarter of the UK's population via electricity distribution networks in London, the South East and the East of England. It supplies gas and electricity to over 5 million customers and generates about 5GW of energy from coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms.

The company is also a key player in national infrastructure projects, including the electrical upgrading of the London Underground, management of private electricity networks serving four London airports and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the country’s first new railway in 100 years. EDF Energy employs nearly 13,000 people at locations across the UK. EDF Energy is a core part of EDF Group, one of the world’s largest power companies.