This season sees the launch of the exciting new Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme, an initiative that will introduce over 36,000 young people to the sport through tag rugby.

The scheme is run by Premiership Rugby and the 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs up and down the country and is expected to involve 600 primary schools 1,200 teachers also receiving training. 600 sets of equipment and resources will be distributed and 300,000 spectators are expected to watch demonstration events.

The Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme is aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils aged 9 and 10 years old. Each Premiership Rugby club will work with two classes at 50 schools.

The Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme involves a six week introduction to rugby:

Week 1-3:

• Skill development and learning the rules

Week 3-5:

• Skill development and teams skills

Week 6:

• Festival

The tag rugby festival in week six will be the first taste of competitive rugby for many children and will allow schools that are new to rugby to participate in a fun tag rugby festival with schools of a similar standard.

One school from each Premiership Rugby club region will qualify for the Finals at Twickenham on Aviva Premiership Rugby Final day where they will represent their Premiership Rugby club.

Wayne Morris, Head of Community at Premiership Rugby, said, "The Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme is a fantastic opportunity for children to get to know the sport of rugby, learn new skills and gain in confidence. I would like to thank Aviva for their commitment in helping us to provide this fabulous opportunity to help develop the grassroots of the game in new rugby playing schools."

For more information please contact Brian Holland on 07890604447 or email: brianh@quins.co.uk.