December 3, 2008

Hundreds of schools rugby players, some in their first season of playing the game, took the world famous Wembley Stadium turf by storm today in a unique warm-up for the Barbarians v Australia match.

Boys and girls from more than 80 schools in six year groups converged on Wembley for a festival organised by the Rugby Football Union’s London North development in conjunction with the Barbarians which included the chance for the children, teachers and parents to stay on and watch the match celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Olympic rugby competition won by Australia in London in 1908.

Primary and secondary schools from Essex, Middlesex, Hertfordshire and Eastern Counties brought along Year 5 and 6 teams to play Tag rugby, and Years 7 to 10 playing the contact version with scrums and line-outs. With teams of 10 players each playing matches lasting 10 minutes it was a fast and fun day of action at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting venues.

“We were so excited to visit Wembley Stadium to stage this London North Barbarians rugby festival,” said organiser Philip Duffy, RFU Middlesex rugby development officer. “All our London North development officers, schools liaison officers and community rugby coaches have got together to make this great day happen. We’re also thankful to the 20 young volunteers who took part, and as the event has progressed we can see the enjoyment the children have gained from playing rugby on the famous Wembley turf.”

One group of matches in Year 10 summed up the diverse range of schools attending the festival. Established rugby school St Joseph’s College from Ipswich took on Southgate School from north London, whose rugby teacher Gareth Lane has worked hard in the last four years to introduce the game alongside football.

“These Year 10 boys were involved in our first ever 15-a-side rugby game two years ago,” said Lane. “Rugby is an opportunity for other kids in the year group to play sport, as we only have two boys in the year who play both football and rugby.

“We were lucky to be invited to Wembley as we began on the reserve list and on the 30-minute journey to get here the boys couldn’t wait to see the stadium.

“They love rugby and while they are learning the game I can see them learning respect for the referee and for each other on the pitch. We don’t have the best facilities at the school but we are pleased to have got rugby going and we aim to keep building on what we have achieved so far.”