AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY'S key legacy project, the Aviva Schools Programme, is now in its third season. The Programme, which comes with a £2m investment from Aviva, is an initiative which introduces more than 39,000 young people each season to rugby union through tag rugby, creating a vibrant and effective rugby legacy in England.
The scheme provides five weeks of coaching and teacher training, grassroots club links, plus resources for the school to continue to play rugby in the future.
In addition, one school from each Aviva Premiership Rugby club region will qualify for the Finals at Twickenham and will play ahead of the teams competing at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final there on Saturday 25th May.
Monahan said: "All the kids played their hearts out today and I was seriously impressed with their skill levels. It's hard to imagine that most have them have only just started playing rugby! The Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme is perfectly suited to bringing out all the core skills young players need and I'm sure some of these kids will be playing at the highest level sooner rather than later."
Julie Bassett, teacher at Hempsted Primary said:
"The children were absolutely thrilled that Shane could come down and offer them rugby tips and advice.
"It's not very often that you get to share a pitch with a professional rugby player and I'm sure this will spur them on even more.
"The Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme has been wonderfully crafted and also crucially ensures that teachers receive quality coaching to help these youngsters reach their potential."
"I also think it's great that other children, who don't normally play, get a chance to play rugby. The fact that they were all allowed on Kingsholm pitch to parade around prior to the Bordeaux match was just amazing and it will be a treasured memory for all of them'.
Simon Monahan, Community Rugby Development Manager, added:
"This is just one of a number of festivals we will be running this season as part of the Aviva programme. Next term the community team will begin coaching in schools in the Tewkesbury area, who will also get the chance to enter into a cluster festival.
"As the season progresses schools from Stroud, Forest of Dean and Cheltenham areas will also get the opportunity to get involved."
For more information please contact the Gloucester Rugby Community Department on 01452 872286 or email cdp@gloucesterrugby.co.uk
