IT was a stunning sight at the home of regional rugby cluster The Red Kites recently when over 300 girls aged six through to 15 years came together in Talgarth to play girls only rugby with red kites circling overhead throughout the blustery day.
The rugby festival on Sunday, June 11 saw all age groups of girls from clusters across the Blues region coming together with clusters from the Dragons region to enjoy the game of rugby and to showcase their skills playing games of tag, touch or contact rugby against each and every team with a large supportive crowd of spectators looking on.
Sport Powys and WRU were represented at the festival and WRU’s Game-changer for South East Wales Katy Evans commented that “The Red Kites Girls Rugby Cluster Centre is a prime example of a team of community volunteers coming together to provide quality experiences for the girls of Powys. The roles of a volunteer vary from coaches, team managers, first aiders, administrators and washing the kit – all playing their vital role in developing the cluster centre.
“We have seen an unprecedented growth in the girls game and this is down to the commitment and drive of the local people. Well done and thank you for your enthusiasm in developing girls rugby in your area.”
Red Kites rugby coordinator Ceri Morgan praised the volunteer community and their support for the day’s success and congratulated the girls for embracing the spirit of the game in what was a thoroughly successful day.
“The Red Kites have set the bar high for this season’s festivals of girls rugby and we are looking forward to the next one hosted by the Steelers at Merthyr Tydfil on Sunday, June 25.”
Wales women’s rugby captain Carys Phillips is WRU’s ambassador to the Red Kites and whilst she was unable to attend the festival due to Wales Vs Japan’s world cup warm-up game she joined the girls at a training evening to offer coaching support and inspiration to the girls.
Katy Evans, of the WRU, said: “The Red Kites Girls Rugby Cluster Centre is a prime example of a team of community volunteers coming together to provide quality experiences for the girls of Powys. The roles of a volunteer vary from coaches, team managers, first aiders, administrators and washing the kit – all playing their vital role in developing the cluster centre.
“We have seen an unprecedented growth in the girls game and this is down to the commitment and drive of the local people.
“Well done and thank you for your enthusiasm in developing girls rugby in your area.”