Internationally acclaimed training programme Get Into Rugby is coming to Barbados in 2015. After a very successful trial run from August to December 2014, involving approximately 25 children form both primary and secondary schools, the Barbados Rugby Football Union (BRFU) will be officially launching this activity later this month.

The aim of the programme is to encourage players of all ages to Try, Play and Stay in Rugby. Get Into Rugby will promote the values of the Game and ensure children are encouraged to try Rugby in a safe and progressive environment.

The initial phase of the programme will be to get children to TRY Rugby in clubs, schools and local communities in order to learn and experience the values, passion, principles and skills of Rugby. This will be supported by trained coaches, teachers and leaders. There are free to use games for teachers and coaches to use.

The Try phase of the programme is designed to consist entirely of non-contact Rugby. In the next phase, players will progress to PLAY the Game in a safe, fun environment – in leagues, festival events and programmes, after an initial training period.

The focus of the STAY stage will be to support players to progress and stay in Rugby as a player, coach, referee, administrator, volunteer or fan in joining teams, clubs, communities and national Unions.

In 2014, the national U19 Rugby Team placed second in the annual NACRA (North America Caribbean Rugby Association) Tournament held in Trinidad and Tobago, beaten only by Mexico. Get Into Rugby is an excellent introduction to the sport, and ensures the safety of the children, while making it a fun and exciting activity. Barbados Rugby was also very well represented farther afield with Sevens teams competing in Hong Kong, Las Vegas (USA) and the United Kingdom.

Historically, Rugby has been a part of local heritage since it was introduced by British soldiers in the early Colonial days. Today, the BRFU makes its home at the historic Garrison Savannah, and has hosted dozens of visiting teams. Young GIR participants can be found on the pitch there every Saturday morning from 10am. The four competing clubs start their season on Saturday January 10, with matches at 2pm and 4:30pm. The public is invited to attend and cheer on the Emperors, Renegades, Tridents and Scorpions as they compete every week, with two matches scheduled each Saturday afternoon.

Later on in 2015, several overseas teams ranging from U18s to Veterans will be in Barbados for an average of seven days per team, and will be taking part in other recreational activities during their visits. This provides good competition and training for the local players while contributing significantly to the local tourism industry.

Rugby is valued as a sport for men and women, boys and girls. It builds teamwork, understanding, co-operation and respect for fellow athletes. Its cornerstones are, as they always have been: the pleasure of participating; the courage and skill which the Game demands; the love of a team sport that enriches the lives of all involved; and the lifelong friendships forged through a shared interest in the Game.

It is because of, not despite, Rugby’s intensely physical and athletic characteristics that such great camaraderie exists before and after matches. The long-standing tradition of players from competing teams enjoying each other’s company away from the pitch and in a social context remains at the very core of the Game.