Heroes pass skills to young fans (From Penarth Times)

Heroes pass skills to young fans

LOCAL school pupils were able to share a rugby pitch with some of their heroes at a rugby development day on Wednesday, February 1.

The coaching line-up included Rhys Williams, Craig Quinnell, Jonah Lomu, Tom Shanklin, Xavier Rush, Lee Thomas and Jamie Robinson.

The event took place at Sully Sports RFC grounds and was organised by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cardiff Blues and Cardiff Council.

After the coaching sessions Jonah Lomu said: "It was good to mix, mingle and share knowledge with our younger fans in the local community."

Matt Silva, rugby development officer for the Vale of Glamorgan Council co-organised the event for year eight pupils.

Schools from the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff took part, including pupils from St Cyres, Stanwell, Barry Boys, Bro Morgannwg and Llantwit Major comprehensive schools.

Silva was assisted by Chris Ower, who is the rugby development officer at Cardiff Council and Gary Knowles, development officer for Cardiff Blues.

The Blues players set up and ran eight separate training stations. These were developed to cover a range of basic skills, focusing on key areas such as speed, agility, passing and tackling.

Rhys Williams and Xavier Rush ran the'attack and defence' disciplines.

Williams said: "It's great for us to mix in and take sessions in the Vale."

Steffan Jones, a pupil from Ysgol Bro Morgannwg, said: "It has been really exciting and will be a day to always look back upon.

"To have received advice on tackling from my heroes Jonah Lumo and Xavier Rush will help me to improve in the sport."

Matt Silva added: "I am thrilled at the feedback received. The Blues have enjoyed coaching their fans, and year eight players smiled all day as they learnt from local and internationally grown talent."