Tigers star backs call to Pitch Up for Rugby
ENGLAND rugby stars Ellis Genge and Jess Breach are encouraging the nation to get behind a Pitch Up for Rugby campaign, as grassroots clubs prepare to open their doors for the first time since the pandemic began.
Pitch Up events will run across this weekend and next, supported by National Lottery cash to help clubs rebuild after the pandemic.
In addition to full contact rugby, versions such as X-Rugby and non-contact Tag and Touch will be available.
It will be the first weekend clubs can play England Rugby’s new non-contact format, The Touch Union, which has replaced O2 Touch.
Touch Union can act as a standalone non-contact format, or be used to reintroduce players to rugby as they progress towards 15-a-side rugby.
Many clubs will also host Warrior Camps – free taster sessions designed to introduce or reintroduce women and girls to the sport.
New Tigers captain Genge spoke about the campaign at the club’s training ground, which is also the home ground of amateur club Oadby Wiggestonian.
Genge, who started his career at Old Redcliffians in Bristol, said: “I still keep in contact with quite a few people from my first community club, mainly my old coach Matt Clarke, who was my first grassroots coach and an important family friend. I used to always remember finishing our junior games in the pouring rain, but then being able to go and have hot chips in the clubhouse. Maybe that is why I turned into a prop!
“But that is a standout memory from my time playing grassroots rugby. That is what it is all about when you are younger and just picking up the game.
“Playing at clubs like these gives you real camaraderie with peers, and you develop friendships you can’t find anywhere else.
“This is one of rugby’s core values, so it will be great to see all forms of the game back.”
Harlequins star Breach said: “I gained so much from playing grassroots rugby when I was younger.
“It helped me not just on the pitch but off the pitch in other aspects of life.
“I learnt how important it was to welcome anyone into your life, regardless of gender, religion, size.
“It really doesn’t matter, as the rugby community embraces all, and I think that is a really good tool to take with you through life.
“It is amazing these clubs are finally able to fully return.”
GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN TO GET PEOPLE PLAYING AGAIN