The Festival, sponsored by long standing Dragons Community Partner Tata Steel, will take place at the Guinness PRO14 fixtures against Leinster on Saturday 2nd September (K.O. 3:15pm) and against Connacht on Friday 15th September (K.O. 7:30pm).
All 73 clubs across the Dragons Region with Under 8’s teams have been invited to attend either the first or second match, with up to 40 clubs expected to attend across the two matches. Dragons CEO Stuart Davies said:
"This season we are focused on increasing our engagement with clubs across the Dragons region. We are really excited about kicking the season off by offering a fantastic opportunity to club youngsters."
Teams will take part in a round robin tag tournament on the Rodney Parade Training Pitch, with the tournaments starting 2 hours before kick-off. Any clubs who are unable to field a full team of Under 8’s are welcome to attend and then create mixed teams on the day. Dragons Community Manager Mike Sage explained:
"We want to create a buzz both on and off the field at Rodney Parade. The Tag Festival is just the beginning of an exciting community match day programme this season, which all our clubs can enjoy and feel a part of."
At half time teams will be invited onto the pitch to take part in a tag rugby demonstration. This means youngsters will get the chance to experience the new Rodney Parade Pitch following this summer’s £750,000 investment. The pitch has a new irrigation and drainage system, a new root zone and top soil as well as a carpet of live grass and artificial fibres which was installed last week. Mike Sage continued:
"The Tata Steel Tag Festival initiative gives all youngsters the opportunity to be among the first to play on our new pitch. We look forward to showcasing the teams at half time, and putting on a demonstration in front of a packed Rodney Parade crowd.”
Dragons TV chatted to Mike to look ahead to the Festival. Click below to play:
The Tag Festival is a family occasion, with supporters encouraged to get into the ground early to enjoy the action on the training pitch. There will also be a host of the community and family activity in the We Fight Any Claim Family Zone before each match, including opportunities to meet the players. After each match there will be live music.
A ticketing discount has been offered to all local clubs through the “Gift of Dragons Rugby- Community Ticketing Scheme”. The scheme gives free tickets for juniors and coaches, along with discounted tickets for parents for any clubs bringing 20 or more people to the match. For more information and to claim please e-mail Mike Sage using mike.sage@dragonsrugby.wales.
Dragons Memberships are on sale now, with Adult prices starting at just £129. As part of a new initiative for 2017/18 Under 16’s Memberships are also Free, when bought with a paying Adult. Memberships are available on 01633 674 990 or by clicking here.
