Backyard Rugby: Off to a flying start

Published on Tuesday 21 February, 2012

Backyard Rugby – a grassroots program to encourage the involvement of Brimbank children in rugby union – kicked off on Wednesday, February 15 at Arthur Beachley Reserve in Sunshine with dozens of kids turning up.

Supported by a $5000 2011-2012 community grant from Brimbank City Council, the newly-formed Brimbank Rugby Union Club wants to introduce rugby as a sport to the local area.

Its initial program runs from February to April and is aimed at boys and girls, aged 6-16. Backyard Rugby is especially expected to attract residents hailing from the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, the UK, southern Africa and northern Australia where rugby union is the main football code.

The Brimbank Rugby Union Club will hold its official launch on Saturday March 3, at Arthur Beachley Reserve. New players can sign up from 11am-2pm. Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union Club has been invited to send players not otherwise occupied on the day to sign photos and talk to members of the community.

Brimbank City Council is also supporting Backyard Rugby by installing rugby posts at Beachley Reserve.

Backyard Rugby: Wednesdays 6pm, February 22, 29- March 7 & 21; April 11 & 18.

Brimbank City Rugby Union Club official launch:  Saturday March 3, 10am-2pm.

Arthur Beachley Reserve, Ardoyne Street, Sunshine. Mel Ref: 40 F3

For more information call Peter Clarke on 0414 215 445 or Penara T’eo 0419 371 228 from Brimbank Rugby Union Football Club.