IRB teams up with Tag Rugby Trust

The iRB are set to help take Tag Rugby around the world
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IRB teams up with Tag Rugby Trust
2 July 2008, 1:34 pm
By IRB

The International Rugby Board has announced a partnership with the Tag Rugby Development Trust (TRDT) aimed at introducing Rugby to primary school children in developing countries through the delivery of Tag Rugby, the fun non-contact form of the Game.

As part of the partnership the IRB will provide financial support for TRDT programmes in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Nigeria, the provision of resources for coach and teacher education and the provision of essential equipment such as balls and tag belts.

“The IRB is delighted to be involved in what is an extremely exciting project,” said IRB Training Manager Mark Harrington. “The TRDT has a proven track record of delivering quality Tag Rugby coaching programmes to children within developing countries and our involvement is a natural fit.

“Tag Rugby is the perfect tool for growing the Game, by introducing children to Rugby in a fun environment. Being a non-contact version of the game, Tag Rugby can be played by boys and girls at the same time, on almost any surface and is the perfect tool for giving children a flavour of Rugby in a fun environment.

“We hope to assist the TRDT with the continued delivery of such programmes, by providing financial and resource support that will enable the TRDT to introduce greater numbers of people to Rugby while providing key legacy work in terms of coach, educator and teacher training.”

“In order to implement these resources we will drive the formalisation of relationships between the TRDT, the IRB’s Regional staff and the appropriate Union contact within each of the countries where the TRDT will operate,” added Harrington.

To assist the TRDT with the delivery of its programmes, the IRB will be providing 1000 size 3 and 4 IRB branded balls, Rugby Ready, Level One coaching, Laws of the Game books and educational DVD resources,

Another key element of the partnership is for the IRB to work with Unions to identify and provide IRB Trainers and Educators with individuals who have the potential to lead Rugby elements of TRDT tours in their region. This will include the pre-trip training of volunteers with the Rugby Ready and IRB Level One coaching certificates, on-trip teacher training and on-trip assurance of coaching and feedback to individuals.

“Since its first tour in 2002, the Tag Rugby Development Trust has worked directly in Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda and India, delivering Tag Rugby sessions, coach education and providing core equipment,” said Martin Hansford, Chairman of TRDT.

“In entering this exciting partnership with the IRB we will be able to tie in with the IRB’s existing Regional staff and Union contacts to deliver key programmes, reaching more children than ever before and fostering the growth of Rugby in key IRB strategic growth Regions such Asia, Africa, and the Americas.”

To find out more about TRDT, visit their website at http://www.tagrugbytours.com/