http://www.rugbywa.com.au/NewsEvents...5/Default.aspx


'The growth of rugby in Western Australia continues from strength to strength with the RugbyWA Development team putting the 5,000th student through the primary school program in 2013 at the Southern Walla Rugby Tournament at Meadow Springs Sporting Complex on Wednesday, 20 March.

Interest in the game continues to reach new heights with double the number of students taking part in the programs as compared to the same time last year.

More than 280 boys and girls took to the field to play three games of Walla Tag in the round robin competition between five schools in the Mandurah region. Halls Head Primary School, Dudley Park Primary School, Meadow Springs Primary School, Tranby College and Mandurah Catholic College were all in attendance and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get out and run around the rugby field.

The Walla Tournaments are a great way to introduce school age children to rugby in a fun and safe environment alongside their friends.

Having surpassed the 5,000 milestone, RugbyWA Development is on track to reach their aim of putting 12,000 students through the program by the close of Term 3 in August.

“It’s been great to see so many schools taking part in the rugby programs,” Senior Development Officer Tobias Hoskins said. “To reach 5,000 students already in 2013 is a testament to the interest and growth of the game and the support of the local clubs in engaging primary schools in their catchment areas.”

Walla Tournaments will also be run in the central and northern regions during the year as well as individual school skills clinics. Teachers can register for the Walla Tournaments or request the Development team run a Walla Tag session or Force Express clinic by contacting Tobias Hoskins on (08) 9387 0715 or tobias.hoskins@rugbywa.com.au.'