The initiative was to get girls from 14 to 16 years old to learn the skills of Tag Rugby and then play a round robin tournament similar to the Girls Schools’ Cup format. At the beginning a ‘Lep Rugby’ coaching course was run for the participating school teachers and staff.
Ulster Rugby’s Development Officers Darren McGuigan, Zoe Templeton, Jon Watt and Neal Johnston then carried out some coaching prior to the festival held at Co Cavan RFC. 90 girls played the non-contact form of the game before a coaching session on the tackle. This seemed to generate real enthusiasm with 30 girls signing a registration sheet to attend an open night for a new youth girls team at Co Cavan RFC.
Nadine Mc Cormilla, Sports Co-ordinator from Cavan Sports Partnership, thanked Ulster staff, Co Cavan RFC for hosting the festival and also the local schools for taking part. As part of the programme ‘Play Rugby’ bags were given to each school who took part which allows the recently qualified teachers to continue with tag rugby coaching.
Virginia RFC also benefitted from the Programme with a girls ‘Skills Camp’ run by Darren McGuigan and Jon Watt during the easter holidays. 23 girls attended with the local club also gaining five new players through the free taster session.
Schools taking part:
Breffni College, Cavan
St. Bricin’s College, Belturbet
St. Mogue’s College, Bawnboy
Loreto College, Cavan
Cavan Royal School
St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill
For further information or to get involved in girls rugby, please email Neal.Johnston@ulsterrugby.com.