As the days get longer and warmer it must be that time of the year when the Community Department spring into action with the big kick-off of the Warburtons’ tag tournaments.
Over 60 schools enter the prestigious competition, all vying to make it to the grand final to be played during the final Regional game of the season when the Dragons take on Leinster in May.
The tournament is one of the rugby highlights of the junior school calendar and gets backing from all the teachers involved.
Newport Schools’ secretary Jane Richards gave her wholehearted backing to it, declaring: “The Gateway rugby scheme is such a success and the kids love to demonstrate some of the skills they have been taught by community officers Janice or Mike. The emphasis on fair play and the involvement of at least three girls in all teams is a great way to base the competition.”
Community Manager Mike Sage is proud of the way the competition has quickly become embedded as a target for so many regional schools.
“We aim to take a star Dragons player to every competition we run, and with so many schools taking part this year we will need at least eight different round robins and qualifying matches,” he said. “However, with the backing of local bakers Warburtons, the tag tournament is a proven success and with local schools so keen to lift the cup we enjoy it very much.”
Marc Stcherbina is to be patron of this year’s competition. The Aussie Ace, who has been recovering from a neck injury he sustained in the region’s Heineken Cup clash against Toulouse in December is looking forward to the opportunity to see some of tomorrow’s great players in action.
“I’m delighted to be able to play a role in this successful tournament, he said. It’s been frustrating not being able to play so getting out into the community gives me a chance to do something positive for the club and grass roots rugby in the region.
“Tag rugby is a growing sport and is a great way for kids to get into rugby. I’ll be on the lookout for the stars of the future at these games!
Marc will be attending the knockout phases of the tournament as well as presenting the trophy to the winners at the tournament final on Rodney Parade at halftime in the Dragons end of season clash against Leinster.
Over 60 schools enter the prestigious competition, all vying to make it to the grand final to be played during the final Regional game of the season when the Dragons take on Leinster in May.
The tournament is one of the rugby highlights of the junior school calendar and gets backing from all the teachers involved.
Newport Schools’ secretary Jane Richards gave her wholehearted backing to it, declaring: “The Gateway rugby scheme is such a success and the kids love to demonstrate some of the skills they have been taught by community officers Janice or Mike. The emphasis on fair play and the involvement of at least three girls in all teams is a great way to base the competition.”
Community Manager Mike Sage is proud of the way the competition has quickly become embedded as a target for so many regional schools.
“We aim to take a star Dragons player to every competition we run, and with so many schools taking part this year we will need at least eight different round robins and qualifying matches,” he said. “However, with the backing of local bakers Warburtons, the tag tournament is a proven success and with local schools so keen to lift the cup we enjoy it very much.”
Marc Stcherbina is to be patron of this year’s competition. The Aussie Ace, who has been recovering from a neck injury he sustained in the region’s Heineken Cup clash against Toulouse in December is looking forward to the opportunity to see some of tomorrow’s great players in action.
“I’m delighted to be able to play a role in this successful tournament, he said. It’s been frustrating not being able to play so getting out into the community gives me a chance to do something positive for the club and grass roots rugby in the region.
“Tag rugby is a growing sport and is a great way for kids to get into rugby. I’ll be on the lookout for the stars of the future at these games!
Marc will be attending the knockout phases of the tournament as well as presenting the trophy to the winners at the tournament final on Rodney Parade at halftime in the Dragons end of season clash against Leinster.
