TryRugby is a skills-based program that provides boys and girls aged 5-15 years with a safe and fun introduction to Rugby Union and sports skill development.

The program is supported by the Australian Sports Commission and has attracted over a thousand children each Friday night when it was run.

Rolling out TryRugby around Australia is part of the ARU’s commitment to expanding Rugby across the country.

The program will be run at Moran Oval every Friday evening for six weeks, starting from Friday.

It will focus on developing a broad base of motor and coordination skills that can be transferred to a range of sports and fitness activities.

ARU community rugby recruitment manager Steve Frost said the program is ideal for children who have never played rugby, while giving current players the opportunity to enhance their skills.

“TryRugby is staffed by trained instructors who teach a mixture of rugby skills, general sports skills and fun games and activities,” Frost said.

“It teaches younger players the basics of passing, ball handling, catching, evasion and pursuit skills.

“The Friday night format provides the ideal social environment for the family, with the kids involved on the field, and the parents either joining in or enjoying the hospitality of the local rugby community, or enjoy a choice of specially designed educational, social plus sporting activities.”

Armidale Blues president Ian Lloyd was full of praise for the TryRugby program.

“The club ran TryRugby last year and it was a tremendous success,” he said.

“The social atmosphere creates a really enjoyable afternoon for all.

“We will be using the program to kick start our season for junior players, with plans afoot to provide teams in the junior carnival format in the area.

“The Armidale Blues is very much looking forward to hosting this successful program, as I believe it plays an essential part in junior development.”

For registration details visit www.rugby.com.au pick up a brochure from your local schools or Sportspower, Armidale.