CONTACT:
Nicola Vaughan (Hampshire Special Needs Rugby Coach)
Telephone: 07809 512136
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

INTRODUCTION (by Nicola Vaughan, Hampshire Special Needs Rugby Coach)
Hampshire Tag Rugby has kick started back into action with the appointment of Nicola Vaughan as Hampshire Special Needs Rugby Coach. With a number of schools throughout the county having received coaching, a festival seemed more than appropriate! The Hampshire Special Schools Tag Rugby Festival was held on 6 June 2007 at Tottonians RFC, with nine schools in attendance from across the county, from Oak Lodge in the New Forest to Baycroft and Redwood Park in Portsmouth. The day proved to be a roaring success with over 90 children competing, both boys and girls, with a great atmosphere throughout the games. The event was won by Great Oaks School who narrowly overcame a great contest with the Melbourne team in the Final. Some great lines of rugby and support play won the game for them.

The following week offered a slightly different standard of rugby, with a SLD Festival held at Basingstoke RFC. Again, a great turnout with over 50 children attending from Limington House, Saxon Wood, Maple Ridge and St Francis. The day offered the children the chance to try out different skills station, such as ball handling, passing, tagging and supporting each other. The children developed quickly, picking up the skills easily and showing some great potential. The day finished with a game of tag rugby, giving the children the chance to put their newly acquired skills into a game situation.

The final event of the Tag Rugby calendar was the South of England Tag Rugby Tournament, held on 30 June 2007 at Alton RFC with representatives county teams being fielded against each other. Unfortunately, some teams were unable to make the event due to unforeseen circumstances, yet the children from Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey all thoroughly enjoyed themselves, despite the wet weather! There was some great rugby played by all teams, with a few certain players standing out due to their quick pace and skills.  After a very exciting final between the Hampshire Blues and Berkshire, it was indoors to the dry and lovely spread of food laid on by the club. Berkshire were announced the winners, with Hampshire Blues runners-up in what was a very close game with only one try separating
them.

Overall, an action packed calendar for this academic year, with more to come next year! All the children who have participated have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and have shown great potential for the future. If you would like to look into the possibility of having Nicola come into school to coach, then please feel free to contact her.