Australian Rugby Union is pleased to announce the winning schools who participated in National Rugby Week, an initiative to engage students in all things Rugby, including the new, safe, fast-paced game of Non-Contact Sevens.
Schools across the country showcased a range of creative Rugby activities and rallied together to support the Qantas Wallabies ahead of their Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday 16 August.
St Joseph’s Primary School in Gloucester (NSW) claimed the top prize and will have the pleasure of hosting Qantas Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie on Thursday 9 October, 2014.
Boys and girls from St Joseph’s, kitted up in gold, wrote their own version of ‘Ode to the Wallabies’ and even visited their local Rugby club, the Gloucester Cockies to play Non-Contact Sevens.
The runners-up: Dalby State School (QLD), Epsom Primary School (VIC) and Dubbo Christian School (NSW) will all receive a Rugby ball signed by the Qantas Wallabies, as well as equipment packs to assist with future participation.
Ewen McKenzie believes engaging with young fans, players and students is imperative for the future of Australian Rugby and the success of the Qantas Wallabies.
“I’m looking forward to spending some time with the students from St Joseph’s Primary School and learning about their experience during National Rugby Week,” McKenzie said.
“These kids are the future of our game. It’s important they get to experience everything Rugby has to offer and to ensure they understand the playing opportunities available to them in the area.”
A teacher at St Joseph’s, Lee Sullivan, is looking forward to the visit from Ewen McKenzie and said the seed for Rugby has been planted at the school.
“The great thing about winning this competition is the opportunity for the school to come together as a community.”
“We can celebrate this as a win for the township of Gloucester and recognise the value of sport being the driving force to bringing people together,” Lee said.
In addition to the overall National Rugby Week prizes, bonus challenge recipients, Tabulam Public School (NSW) and Victorian College for the Deaf (VIC) will receive a signed Qantas Wallabies jersey for their participation in Non-Contact Sevens games throughout the week.
Schools were judged on their contribution to National Rugby Week and their commitment to promoting the core values of passion, integrity, discipline, respect and teamwork.
National Rugby Week saw over 120,000 students (56% boys and 44% girls) from 726 schools participate in classroom, field and carnival-based Rugby activities.
Australian Rugby Union would like to thank all schools who took part in National Rugby Week and congratulate the winning schools who went above the call to participate in the new-look schools program.
For more information, please contact Charlie Drayton on +61 280 055 682 or charlie.drayton@rugby.com.au.
