Schools' Tag Rugby Festival sets date for 2021 event

Thursday 08 April 2021

The annual Schools' Tag Rugby Festival is set to return to Footes Lane later this month - however lack of recent coaching opportunities means that it will only be open to two year groups.

More than 140 children from across the island's schools are set to take part in the Carey Olsen-sponsored event.

However this year there will only be a competition for Years 5 and 6, with no event for children in Years 3 and 4.

"Unfortunately, the recent lockdown meant it was impossible to ensure the younger age groups had received the required level of safe coaching," said Rugby Development Officer Steve Melbourne MBE.

Pictured: The Festival will take place at Footes Lane from 09:00 to 12:30 on Saturday 24 April.

"As a result, we chose to run a reduced festival for Years 5 and 6 as most of these players will have participated in the festival before or will have had some recent coaching."

Mr Melbourne thanked Carey Olsen for coming forward to support the festival, which is a boost to the development of island rugby at the grassroots level.

"[It will give] the children an opportunity to play in what over the years has always been a fantastic morning of rugby."

Refreshments for family, friends and players will be available throughout the Festival and supporters are welcome to attend and join in with the spirit of the event.

Pictured: Action from a previous Guernsey Schools' Tag Rugby Festival (Martin Gray at Guernsey Sport Photography).