RFU in partnership with Team Beds & Luton and Northamptonshire Sport kicked-off the first day of Festival of Rugby 2015 with a World Record Tag Rugby attempt at Luton Rugby Football Club involving England 2015 ambassador and Women’s Rugby World Cup winner, Maggie Alphonsi.
An estimated 300,000 are already set to attend Festival of Rugby 2015, between now and October 31 in celebration of rugby’s biggest year.
England 2015 Ambassador and Women’s Rugby World Cup winner, Maggie Alphonsi, was joined by 437 children from 29 schools across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire plus young sports leaders, teachers, parents and event staff, participated in the impressive Tag Rugby World Record attempt in an effort to beat the current record of 336 players. Although the number of players exceeds the current record, the World Record attempt will need to be verified over the coming weeks before it can be officially confirmed.
Maggie Alphonsi, said “Today has been an incredible start to the Festival of Rugby. It’s been great to see so many schoolchildren getting involved in the sport with the support of their local team, especially in what is a predominantly football city. If the excitement evident in today’s event is anything to go by, it’s set to be a fantastic summer of rugby and a great foundation from which to build a strong legacy for the Game.”
England Rugby 2015 Managing Director, Steve Brown, said “Today’s World Record attempt at Luton Rugby Football Club is just one of many events kicking off the Festival of Rugby 2015. With events happening up and down the country from now until the end October, from the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge at the Copper Box Arena in the Olympic Park to the Yeovil 7s 80s’ Festival this coming weekend, there something for everyone. Whether spectating, participating or hosting events, we want to see communities coming together in celebration for what we hope will be rugby’s greatest year.”
RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger said: “We are delighted with the number and wide range of events taking place across the country over the coming weeks. This is a real opportunity for thousands of people of all ages to get involved and join our rugby family in celebrating this very special year. The Festival of Rugby will show just how inclusive our sport is and we are looking forward to welcoming more potential players, spectators and followers to our great game.”
The first week of Festival of Rugby 2015 is jam packed with over 35 events taking place everywhere from Cumbria to the West Country.
This weekend’s Festival of Rugby 2015 highlights include the Cumbria Social 7s and Millom Beer Festival at Millom RUFC Wilson Park which runs from Friday 12 June until Sunday 14 June.
On the Saturday, teams will arrive from all over the North West and Scotland to compete in the Women’s and Men’s 7s tournament, made up of eight female teams and eight male teams. Former England Women’s Captain, Tamara Taylor will also make an appearance during the day, taking part in some matches and participating in a Q&A on the main stage.
The 2015 Yeovil 7’s 80’s Festival, which also takes place this coming weekend, demonstrates the true breadth of events on offer as part of Festival of Rugby 2015. The weekend will feature a 7s tournament that includes rugby competitions for men, veterans, women and colts, 80s themed fancy dress, a tug-of-war competition, bouncy castle and on-site camping and catering facilities. Around 500 are expected to attend throughout the weekend, including England Women Seven’s player, Marlie Packer who will be participating in a Q&A on the Saturday afternoon.
For event organisers and participants inspired to get involved, there’s still time to take part. To apply and register interest go to www.festivalofrugby2015.com.
Any event that has a link to the game or a rugby theme can become part of the Festival of Rugby 2015. Developed in partnership between England Rugby 2015 and the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the Festival will be hosted across the UK.
With over 380 wide-ranging events set to be a part of Festival of Rugby, including The International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC) in Twickenham, Hoppers Beer Festival in Lancashire and Westoe Village Fete in South Shields, there are countless ways to celebrate the year of rugby across the country.
With over 300,000 likely attendees, the Festival of Rugby 2015 programme will bring fans and wider communities together to celebrate rugby through events hosted across the UK.
Event seekers can use the postcode facility on www.festivalofrugby2015.com to find events near them, while those looking to create their own events will have access to the Festival of Rugby 2015 brand and online event toolkit. The toolkit, enables event organisers to create their own t-shirts, bunting, posters, leaflets and stickers and their events will also be profiled and promoted through the website.
