Schools rugby skills program introduced in Marlborough

A new schools rugby programme covering the Marlborough region kicked off this week at Redwoodtown School, with Marlborough rugby development officer Gareth Archer directing proceedings.

More than 2000 children at 20 schools from around the Marlborough province will take part in the programme with each child receiving up to five hours coaching on rugby skills, activities and games.

Blenheim firm Crafar Crouch Construction has donated rugby balls for the programme which is focused on getting more children into rugby.

Archer said the demand from schools to take part in the new programme had been "huge".

He said the Tasman Rugby Union would have three fulltime rugby development officers in Marlborough to help run it, assisted by Marlborough Boys' College students on work experience as part of the Gateway educational work skills programme.

These students will help with delivery of the coaching sessions and will also be studying towards unit standards in coaching while on the job.