New Grassroots Programme Taking The City By Storm

Storming Rugby - a simplified version of the game – is designed to get more youngsters involved in rugby, regardless of experience or ability.

The programme, thought up and designed by Bristol Rugby’s Player Development Manager, Gary Townsend, kicked off at eight schools across the region last week – and the man behind the programme hopes to attract more youngsters to the game:

“The aim of Storming Rugby is to make the game simpler to understand, easier to coach and easier to referee," said Townsend.

“With fewer numbers required, it means most schools can get teams out and with simpler rules, it also opens it up to novice players in addition to enhancing the skills of players who are already involved in the game."

“This is the second year that South Gloucestershire schools have taken part and ten schools were involved in the Bristol Festival before Christmas.

“In short, we are trying to get more kids’ hands on a rugby ball, but without the complexities of the game.

“We are really excited about the programme and hope to see plenty of kids taking up the game for the first time.”

The names of the varying formats - Cyclone Sevens, Electric Eights, Nitro Nines and Tornado Tens – relate to how many players per side and each format has a different set of rules.