The Cassidy Group Inner City Tag Rugby Festival went down a storm at Lady Bay this week with 20 teams and approximately 300 boys and girls taking part in this inaugural event to celebrate the Rugby World Cup.

The event was organised by Nottingham City School Sports Partnership and Nottingham Rugby with support from the Rugby Football Union and several local young referees from Loughborough College. This celebration of tag rugby saw children being introduced to the game, whilst hopefully inspiring others to take part in local club rugby.

Sam Bignall and Josh Salathiel from Nottingham Rugby’s Community Team said: “It’s been an amazing introduction to a huge number of children who have played continually all afternoon.

“Despite it being slightly wet we have been amazed at the quality of the children’s rugby skills and we hope that some of these children will take up rugby at any of the local clubs.”

Nottingham Rugby, through its community partnership with The Cassidy Group, will be visiting 20 local primary schools for a ‘Day of Rugby’ during this academic year where they will deliver Tag Rugby to over 3,000 young people.

Nottingham Rugby are also embarking on a women and girls rugby project in conjunction with a new community sponsor, Roadgas. Steve Smith from Nottingham Rugby said: “Girls rugby is on a real high in Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire and we have plans to support various festivals and training days for women and girls throughout the season.

“The support of Roadgas will help local clubs attract new players and continually grow the game.”

For more information about clubs in Notts, Lincs and Derbys please visit www.nldrfu.co.uk.