Mini version of Rugby World Cup comes to Chichester

The club have 16 primary schools sending teams to a tournament which completes Chichester’s Rugby of Festival, staged to tie in with the World Cup, which began last Friday.

Organiser Ben Bulpett said: “We have 16 schools from across Chichester and the surrounding area entering 32 teams in the World Cup rugby festival.

“To try to encourage schools to promote and offer rugby, all teachers attending are being offered a free tag and ref course so they can take what they learn back into their schools after the event.

“The club have also been training six young referees who will be attending on the day to officiate.

“Jessica Breach - England Ladies rugby player and Chichester District Young Sportsperson of the Year - will be attending to encourage the youngsters and give out the awards.

“The event is open to all boys and girls in Years 3 and 4 and schools have been asked to try to get non-rugby-playing children to attend so others can experience the great game.

“To bring the Rugby World Cup to life, each team has been assigned a country and the schools have been asked to make flags or costumes that represent the country and bring them on the day.”

See www.chichester.co.uk tomorrow for a video report on the action and next week’s Observer for a report and pictures.

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