Schools rugby returns
- School’s rugby return as 60 pupils from local high schools get involved in 9-aside tournament.
- Community Foundation ran the tournament which took place last week.
- Deanery, St John Fisher, Dean Trust Rose Bride and St Peter’s high schools all took part.
School’s rugby made its long-awaited return last week as over 60 pupils from local high schools played in a 9-aside tournament run by Wigan Warriors Community Foundation.
Year 7 students from Deanery, St John Fisher, Dean Trust Rose Bridge and St Peter’s high schools took part in the participation festival at the Soccerdome playing fields last Thursday.
The tournament was officiated by Pete Meadows and Simon Rickard from the Wigan Referees Society.
Danny Fullerton, Wigan Warriors rugby development manager, was delighted with the positive impact that his team have been having in the local high schools.
“It’s great to see a lot of normality returning with school’s rugby league alongside the return of the community game,” he said.
“It was really pleasing to see over 60 enthusiastic rugby players represent their schools with so much pride and enjoyment playing against other schools.
“With the World Cup coming up at the end of the year, the tournament was a great chance to raise excitement levels among Rugby League players once again.”
Neil Ashton from Wigan Schools added: “It was fantastic to see that despite an enforced 12-month break, none of the passion and enjoyment has been lost.
“For many of the boys playing it was their first taste of rugby league and I’m sure it won’t be their last.
“On behalf of Wigan Schools, I’d like to thank the officials for giving up their time and everyone that came along to support. A special thank you must go to Wigan Warriors Community Foundation, who as well as organising the event have been back in schools delivering high-quality sessions to both boys and girls.”
The Wigan Warriors Rugby Development team are planning for another action-packed term of school delivery with further opportunities for schools to compete against each other and showcase their local talent.
Images by Bryan Fowler
