Pencoed to host schools sevens rugby tournament
THE biggest national schools’ rugby sevens event ever held in Wales is coming to Pencoed next month.
A partnership between the Welsh Rugby Union and youth organisation the Urdd to increase participation in the game has seen more than 200 teams register for the Urdd WRU 7s tournament on April 4, 5 and 6.
The Urdd is the WRU’s national schools sevens partner and the Pencoed tournament is the flagship event of a number of similar sessions that will be held throughout Wales in the course of the spring and summer terms.
It’s hoped the partnership will also help develop skills for the national game and increase the use of the Welsh language outside the classroom.
The new initiative was launched at Pencoed RFC, the venue of next month’s tournament, and was supported by Wales’ record try scorer Shane Williams. He said: “Enjoyment is key.
“If we want more kids playing rugby and staying in the game for longer, we have to make it fun.
“What better way to create lifelong memories than to have fun playing rugby with your school friends.
“Sevens, touch and beach rugby make rugby accessible to boys and girls of all abilities. Along with the fun element, they are also great for general fitness and skills to help players better themselves for the 15 a side game.”
WRU Head of Rugby participation Ryan Jones said: “This enhanced partnership with the Urdd will further help achieve our purpose of More People, More Often with more Enjoyment and More Suc- cess.
“Playing sevens rugby within schools around Wales is a perfect model to help increase participation in a fast-paced, enjoyable, more convenient form of the game, which is an area we will focus on going forward.
“In conjunction with the Urdd, we will also run touch tournaments and beach rugby, two other exciting new forms of the game to attract new participants and reach new audiences.”
Urdd Chief Executive Sioned Hughes said: “This new partnership with the WRU is a great example of how Welsh organisations can work together to offer children and young people in Wales memorable experiences.”