Rugby Development News

SOUTH MUNSTER U12 s MINI-RUGBY BLITZ

This is the second season of the South Munster Mini Rugby Committee, which saw the introduction of a formalised programme of fixtures as well as liaising with the Munster Branch in the running of Mini Rugby Coaching modules. To take participation a step further we are delighted to announce we are holding two U12 Only Blitzes days in March 2005.

The first Blitz day was held on March 5th was 4 Regional 6 Team Blitz with each team playing 5 games. The 6 teams are now rated according to the games they won or drew. The top 2 teams from each of the Regional Blitz now progress to a cup competition the next 2 to a plate competition and the remaining 2 to the shield competition. All 24 Teams will now take part in a blitz on the 20th March in Highfield RFC, with over 500 children playing on day.

Children represent a very important resource to rugby in Ireland, to properly nurture this resource under-age Rugby Union Football is broken into two distinct structures Mini Rugby and Youth Rugby. Youth Rugby caters for players from under 13 to under 18 (inclusive) and runs a full programme of League and Cup fixtures, while Mini Rugby caters for players from under 8 to under 12.

The ethos of Mini Rugby is to introduce a modified version of the adult game in a safe and enjoyable manner ensuring participation and inclusion. Mini Rugby is broken into distinct stages which progressively introduce and develop the skills and laws of Rugby Union Football. By playing with fewer laws in a less complicated game that is adjusted to their age and size young players find it easier to understand the game and its concepts. The game comprises all aspects of the full 15-a-side.

In the South Munster area there are 25 clubs actively promoting Mini Rugby Ballincollig, Bandon, Bantry Bay, Carrigaline, Christian Brothers College, Charleville, Clonakilty, Cobh Pirates, Cork Constitution, Crosshaven, Dolphin, Douglas, Dunmanway, Fermoy, Highfield, Kanturk, Kinsale, Mallow, Midleton, Mitchelstown, Muskerry, Old Christians, Skibbereen, Sundays Well, Youghal,

On any given weekend there are in excess of 2,000 players playing Mini Rugby in the South Munster Area.

At under 12 s the game is a Stage 3 game, it is 10 a side with 5 forwards and 5 backs on each side.

For further details contact Michael Mc Swiney (086-1522991) or Conor O Connell (087-6182064)