Public encouraged to try out rugby alongside Jersey's first beach tournament

Press statement released to the local media 21 July 2010

Rugby enthusiasts of all abilities are being invited to make the most of top quality coaching this weekend, whilst eleven teams will compete in Jersey’s first ever Beach Rugby Tournament.

Organised by the Jersey Rugby Association, the TryRugby event, which is being sponsored by PwC, takes place in front of the Oyster Box in St Brelade’s Bay on Saturday 24 July, with all money raised from the day being donated to Holidays4Heroes. Starting at 12pm, a number of the Island’s top women’s and men’s rugby coaches will be on hand to teach those with little or no rugby experience the basics of the sport, whilst the JRA have also been able to secure a guest appearance from England and Bath rugby player Matt Banahan.

Meanwhile, Jersey’s first ever Beach Rugby Tournament for men and women will kick off at 11.30am, involving 5-a-side teams from PwC, Lydian Lions, Capita, Banks, Beeches, Jersey Wanderers and HMP La Moye. In addition, there will be an exhibition game between two ladies teams. Following the tournament, at around 4.35pm, prizes will be presented to the winning teams by Lieutenant Governor Andrew Ridgeway and his wife.

As well as the tournament itself, there will also be a pool competition and a bar available to players and spectators.

To help with transport, those coming to the event will be able to use the Number 12 bus for free, with a voucher provided on request from Rugby Development Officer Dave McCormack, whilst there will also be a free shuttle bus from the Jersey Rugby Club car park to St Brelade’s Bay.

Dave McCormack said:

“The emphasis on the day is firmly on it being a fun day out for the family. We are hoping to attract people who have never played the game before and those who have maybe played the game when they were younger and want to get back into it, and we have a really strong line-up of coaches that will help everyone who comes along to make the most of the day. The tournament should also be really exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing some exciting beach rugby for the first time in Jersey.”