More rugby needed in state primary schools, teacher warns (From Surrey Comet)

More rugby needed in state primary schools, teacher warns

7:40am Friday 10th February 2012 in Wimbledon By Omar Oakes

Rugby will remain an elitist sport unless primary schools make a greater effort to introduce it, said a dedicated PE teacher after winning a prestigious award.

Anastacia Long, who lives in Morden, and volunteers for Old Rutlishians rugby club has been awarded the Ian Thompson Young People’s Coach of the Year 2011.

She won the award after she “single-handedly introduced rugby union to Graveney School [Tooting] and has a team at every age group of the school, including 45 girls playing weekly.”

Miss Long said: “We have so many talented kids playing rugby but state school teams will be at a disadvantage to private schools because their kids usually play from a much younger age.

“Primary schools should encourage rugby because it encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, respect and enjoyment.”