Kellogg’s And IRFU Rugby Skills Clinics

Kellogg’s in association with the IRFU have launched the 5th Annual Rugby Skills Training Clinics. Over 160 young rugby fanatics nationwide will be given the chance to win a rugby training session with one of their top sporting idols.

The clinics will take place in each of the four provinces during the Easter Holidays.

The Kellogg’s Rugby Skills Training Clinics form part of the IRFU’s Youth Development Scheme, which is designed to ensure widespread interaction around the country with schools and clubs to increase participation numbers at all levels in rugby.

Since inception the scheme has been highly successful reaching over 45,000 children and with now over 80 Kellogg’s YDOs ( Youth Development Officers) working with children and adults on a daily basis encouraging involvement in rugby. The half day Kellogg’s Rugby Skills Training Clinics teach the four key skills needed to play rugby – kicking, tackling, evading and passing – under the tutelage of the IRFU’s Youth Development Officers (YDOs) and some of Ireland’s top rugby players.

Commenting on the success of the initiative, Kellogg’s Marketing Director, Noel Hegarty, said: “We are delighted to launch another year of the Kellogg’s Rugby Skills Training Clinics and welcome onboard a new group of young rugby hopefuls. This initiative demonstrates Kellogg’s ongoing commitment to encouraging people of all ages to get out and get active as part of a healthy lifestyle. The programme also enables us to support the IRFU in their efforts to promote grassroots rugby across the country.”

Andy Crawford, President of the IRFU, said: “We are very keen to kick start the 2006 Kellogg’s Rugby Skills Training Clinics – they have proven to be a great success year on year. As part of our programme to support the development and recruitment of young players to the game of rugby this year we want to encourage even more young girls and boys with an interest in rugby to enter the competition

“The clinics will offer young players the chance to pick up some expert advice on their game and also a fun day to remember with one of their sporting heroes!”

For more information and an application form see the Irish Independent.