Tens of thousands of children around the country are picking up a rugby ball for the first time thanks to EDF Energy.
As Premier Rugby’s Community Partner, EDF Energy is introducing 112,000 children to the sport through the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme.
Clubs work directly with every school in the programme – 272 schools in just the first six months since it launched in January 2007!
And children receive professional coaching and go on to play in regional tag festivals.
Some children have gone on to play in half-time displays at Guinness Premiership games and youngsters from 20 schools took part in tag rugby demonstrations at the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals and final at the Millennium Stadium and Twickenham in 2007.
Louise Poole, EDF Energy’s Head of Brand, said: 'The response from children and schools has been brilliant and the coaching and tag rugby festivals have gone down a storm.
'The future of rugby lies in the hands of children – they are the next generation of players and supporters. That’s why we’re delighted to be Premier Rugby’s Community Partner and helping introduce so many children to the sport.'
The programme is one of the most comprehensive schools programmes in world rugby. Community coaches work with primary school teachers and children - boys and girls aged 8-10, and EDF Energy make sure schools have the right equipment to go on and play the game for years to come.
They learn tag rugby, a non-contact version of the sport that teaches the skills to go on and play rugby union.