Welsh Rugby Union : Rugby Development : Leisure Rugby : Leisure Rugby Index

Touch Rugby Programme

Through a new partnership with Wales Touch Association, the Welsh Rugby Union is expanding the reach of their development programmes to incorporate a new touch rugby pathway.

Touch rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is a game that caters for people of all ages and abilities and is a great tool for developing a players' understanding of space, their handling and decision making skills.

Through schools and community initiatives, the WRU aims to broaden the participation base at all ages with particular focus on more women and girls to get more people interested and playing the game.

Touch rugby in schools

Across Wales, the WRU will deliver a coordinated approach to schools touch rugby. Delivered by the participation officers, the touch programme will offer extra-curricular opportunities for young people to play both recreational and competitive touch rugby.

Programmes will be delivered in the spring and summer terms to ensure more young people are enthused to play the game and continue playing in community programmes throughout the summer.

Touch rugby in the community

Building on the work delivered in schools, the WRU will roll out a summer touch rugby programme across Wales for adults of all ages, abilities and physical activity levels to participate in the sport.

There will be organized opportunities for adults to join competitive leagues with their friends and family, and the opportunity to progress from regional to national competitions. Touch rugby is a great way to socialize whilst keeping fit and leading a healthy lifestyle.

The WRU are also aiming to bring rugby to a wider adult audience and provide a new vehicle for adults to get back into shape. The Back to Sport initiative, a joint partnership with the Welsh Netball Association, will aim to offer new opportunities for adults to play new forms of netball and rugby in local leisure facilities. This initiative is ideal for those who want to get back into shape and try a new sport whilst meeting new people.

All touch initiatives are to be rolled out during 2012.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact James Chapron on jchapron@wru.co.uk or go to http://www.walestouch.co.uk/

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Minis to Millennium

The development of the game in Wales starts at U7 level and follows talent development through to senior representative and community rugby

Club Development

Learn more about the changing face of clubs in Wales, the funding options available, and the methods of developing the hubs of the community game

Leisure Rugby

Rugby Camps, Touch Rugby and Rugby Tots are all covered in this section covering wider aspects of the community game and development

Coaching Development

The WRU Coach Education Programme aims to develop the right coach for every player at every stage of their development in the game

Referee Development

The varying levels of refereeing courses enable prospective referees and touch judges to start or build on the skills necessary to become a bona fide, qualified match official

Safeguarding

The welfare of children within Rugby Union is paramount and the WRU are committed to ensuring the correct policies are adhered to within the game.

Volunteers

The WRU recognises how important volunteers are and wants to be as proactive as possible in supporting, recruiting and developing them as well as providing recognition for their contribution