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Milestone for Get into Rugby

The International Rugby Union Get into Rugby programme part of the IRB strategy to encourage players of all ages to try to play the game in a safe and progressive environment.
Launched in 2008 at eight schools in Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Oshakati, Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Keetmanshoop the programme reached a landmark of 8 000 players from the age of 7 to 1.
Seventy schools are taking part in the project with  many learners who have never played the game.
The programmes has 3 key stages, Getting children to play the sport in clubs, schools and local communities entirely through non-contact Rugby.
“The NRU appointed 12 Youth Development Officers  that  receive training and transfer their skills , in and around their regions.
 This method of training boosted the view of rugby especially in the rural areas where soccer is the main sporting choice.” the union newsletter said.
The second phase allows for contact with free-to-use games  for teachers and coaches.

While the second phase supports players to progress and keep playing Rugby either as a player, coach, referee, administrator, volunteer and fan by joining teams, clubs, communities and national Unions.
This year a growing number of 70 schools are being added to the list.
The Namibian Schools Sports Union (NSSU) is endorsing the programmed. Sollie Duiker from the NSSU gave his stamp of approval on this format of rugby to all schools as well as schools new to rugby.
The NRU is proud that rugby is played from as far north as Katima down to Oranjemund in the south. The sports union feels there are other areas needed in improving to develop but funding and vast distances travelled make it difficult in introducing the game.

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