It was a test run for students from several area schools on the rules and regulations of playing rugby – a sport they will seek out when they move on to high school.
Of the eight teams taking part in the rugby training at Victoria Park on June 13, two were from John Black Public School in Fergus, three from St. Joseph Catholic School in Fergus, two from Egremont Community School in Holstein, and one from St. Theresa Catholic School in Elmira.
Over 100 students participated in the second annual elementary school rugby day hosted by the Fergus Highland Rugby Club.
John Black principal Bruce Davies dropped by to watch his students.
“They (club representatives) have been coming to our school for about two weeks to train the students because rugby can have high injuries. My concerns were resolved when I saw the training they were getting,” Davies said.
“We’re trying to give the kids an opportunity to choose which sport they like.”
Davies, who has been a principal at John Black for almost seven years, added, “In high school, myself, we were forced to play rugby without the training.”
For the training session, the game was played similar to flag football, without the body contact for which rugby is known.
Highland Rugby Club vice president Juli Brattan said the aim of the program is teach rugby skills and regulations to student who might consider playing when they attend high school.
“The elementary school flag rugby day is about having fun and learning to play rugby,” Brattan said.
“Since there are no other programs in the area like this, we intend to offer the event again next year and continue to grow the number of teams involved.”
The Fergus club has been establish for over 20 years.
“Our flag rugby programs are the fastest growing programs in our club,” Brattan said. “We have established ourselves as a family-oriented club where you can bring all your kids to training on the same night, at the same time, and enjoy the family atmosphere on the pitch.”
Brattan added, “We accommodate all age groups in our club from U-6 to senior men and women. Our U-18 women’s team has won the provincial championship for the last two years and continues to get stronger.
“We have over 10 players who play in the provincial rugby program and we have three senior women who are currently playing with Team Canada.”
Teams paid about $100 each to participate in the club program for students, Davies said.
The day started with a skills session where the students learned basic rugby skills like pass-catch, evasive running, defence and kicking. In the afternoon games were set up with two 15-minute halves.
For more information on the local rugby club visit www.highlandrugby.com.
