Hoping to engage with as many players as possible, including coaches and parents from all across the region, the free event saw 22 teams participate in what was a roaring success within the grassroots rugby community.

Using the festival to explore an alternative code of rugby outside of the XVs game, the space at North Dorset RFC allowed the 22 teams to all partake in five games of rugby throughout the day on full size pitches.

Of the day, Head of Bath Rugby Academy Craig Lilley said: “It was a day for us to get out into the community and host an event that was a little different than usual by showcasing the 10s game. Teaching the players about a new form of rugby was a brilliant opportunity for us.”

“We had hundreds of players and coaches attend from all over the region. Being able to share our professional sporting skills with the grassroots community is something we’re always keen to do so it was great that North Dorset RFC gave us this space to share our knowledge.”

With it being a friendly tournament and scores not being recorded, the sentiment throughout the festival truly encapsulated that rugby is for everyone, focusing on learning and development rather than competition.

Giving a presentation to over 30 local coaches and team managers, Junior Academy Phase Lead Matt Lishman offered his expertise on the junior pathway and how rugby leaders can identify talent.

Lishman said: “It was great to be able to share the day with the coaches and managers, as well as the players. Giving them the knowledge of how to identify talent within their own rugby clubs will help get the best out of players, as well as add to the next generation of Bath Rugby Academy talent.”

“Our next U14s festival is happening on 4 December up at Kingswood School and we’re hoping to have just as many players and coaches join us.”

Registration links will be available soon.

Over 350 players turn out for Bath Rugby's under-14s 10 festival

Related News