Local club, Belfast Harlequins is launching a unique Girls Rugby Sevens Academy this summer to boost the reputation of Under 18 girls rugby in the local area, and hopefully introduce girls to what will be an Olympic sport in the 2016 Olympic Games, Rugby Sevens.
The Academy will run throughout the summer with three trial dates, open to any girl under the age of 18. No rugby experience is necessary to attend the open trials. The Academy is designed to highlight key skills in under-18 girls, who could go on to represent their country in the 2016 Olympic Games. Girls will also be given the opportunity to receive sports performance analysis, fitness and skills training all specific to Rugby Sevens.
At the launch of the Academy, Sports Performance Analysist Nathan Moore explained, “Rugby Sevens is different to standard Fifteens Rugby as it requires a higher level of speed, skill and knowledge of the game. It’s much faster paced and ideal for girls who have played hockey or other sports at school and fancy trying something different.
“In 2016, Rugby Sevens will be introduced as a new Olympic sport, and the IRFU have been very keen in recent months to improve the skills of Rugby Sevens players across the country. We hope to begin expanding Rugby Sevens here in Ulster with our open trials and Sevens Academy.”
Belfast Harlequins has a strong background in Rugby Sevens, coming 4th in the IRFU Sevens competition in 2011, and boasting Sevens Expertise from international players Ashleigh Baxter and Nikki Caughey (Ireland 7s), and Ilse Van Staaden (South Africa 7s). Along with the Olympics, there are many other opportunities to play Rugby Sevens both within Ireland and overseas at Sevens competitions such as the annual IRFU 7s competition, Amsterdam Sevens and Hong Kong Sevens.
Nathan continued, “We want to be the first club in Ulster to focus on building a strong base for Girls Rugby Sevens, and I would encourage any girl under the age of 18 who is interested in giving rugby a try, to get in touch and attend one of the open trial dates.”
Belfast Harlequins Girls Seven Academy open trials will be held at Belfast Harlequins RFC at 12pm on the following dates: 30th June, 28th July and 25th August 2012. To register your interest, please email sevens@quinswomensrugby.co.uk.
Belfast Harlequins Rugby Club is a voluntary organisation based on the Malone Road in Belfast. For more information about the Girls Sevens Academy, please contact Nathan Moore on 077 3631 8065 or email sevens@quinswomensrugby.co.uk . For other media enquiries, please contact Sorcha Chipperfield on 075 4168 9870 or Sorcha.chipperfield@hotmail.co.uk
