The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) took another huge step in its mission to establish Rugby as loved and enjoyed sport in schools all over the country with a learning camp and exhibition match between kids of the Labone SDA School on Friday 27 November at the Al Wak Sports Stadium in Accra Ghana.

According to Mr. Jason Dzata, the GRFU Coordinator for the “Get Into Rugby” (GIR) programme introduced by World Rugby, the programme was a follow-up on previous interactions with the schools.

About 20 children took part in the two-hour exercise. The first phase of the programme involved loosening up exercises followed by the practising of basic Rugby skills such agility, balance, coordination, passing, catching and teamwork.  

The highlight of the day was a Tag Rugby match between kids.

Other schools who attended the programme as spectators include St. Thomas JHS, Star Bethany International School, Namic International School, Divine Provision International School, Rekums International School and Great Maranatha Preparatory School.

Mr. James Tetteh, the sports teacher for Labone SDA School, commended GRFU for the initiative and asked that the program be extended to other schools and be added to the curricula.

Mr. Herbert Mensah, President of the GRFU, has time and again said that the growth and performance of Rugby in Ghana will be measured by the growth and performance of Rugby at schools level.

“The GIR or youth Rugby development programme at schools level is and will be the highest priority of the GRFU for years to come,” Mr. Mensah said.

The “Get Into Rugby” programme is part of the World Rugby strategy to increase participation in Rugby across the world. Working with Regional Associations and Unions, Get Into Rugby will be a key initiative to grow the Game, as Rugby rejoins the Olympic Games in Rio 2016.

The aim of the programme is to increase the number of new players, coaches and referees over the next four years.

Get Into Rugby will promote the values of Rugby and ensure children are encouraged to TRY – PLAY – STAY in Rugby in a safe, enjoyable and progressive way.

Unions who deliver the Get Into Rugby programme will have access to equipment in the form of a Toolkit, training, education and interactive online resources. The Get Into Rugby Toolkit contains balls, bibs and tag belts, and is an integral part of the programme.

The three legs of the Get Into Rugby programme involve the following:

TRY

Introducing boys and girls to the principles of Rugby for the first time. Getting started with introductory Rugby sessions. These include the principles of Rugby, agility, balance, coordination, passing, catching and teamwork.

.PLAY

Developing players’ skills, building their game understanding and experience of the unique ethos of Rugby. Coaching sessions are focused to teach the principles and skills of Rugby and a safe progression to playing the Game.

STAY

How to keep players in the Game for life and enjoy and experience the fun, fitness, health benefits and unique values of playing Rugby: integrity, respect, solidarity, passion and discipline.