QUICK Rip and tag rugby are the best way forward for primary school children in learning how to play rugby.
Parents, teachers, coaches and student ruggers this newspaper spoke to during the launch of the Quick Rip Rugby Festival at Saraswati Primary School grounds at Manoca, Nausori last week, were in favour of the rugby code being introduced to schools.
Tailevu Shark Zone representative and Nuku District School teacher Viliame Tivitivi said since the introduction of quick rip rugby, students’ performance inside the classroom had improved.
“There are nine modules that are aligned with quick rip rugby and it included healthy living and the combating of NCDs. We notice that students are attentive in class, discipline and punctual.
“It is a good sign because it is teaching students values that can help them in the future,” he said.
His players were presented with hygiene packs which included fruits during the tournament.
“Quick Rip Rugby is inclusive of the get into rugby program and it is safe for children because it is a non-contact game. It teaches skills and the basics of rugby before they play in kaji rugby competitions,” tournament co-ordinator Lasarusa Senibale said.
“Quick Rip Rugby is a sport for all. It is a very safe, non-contact, easy-to-play game for both male and female. Best of all it’s fun and exciting for everyone. While the rules are simple and the game easy to learn.”
Quick Rip Rugby promotes excellent ball handling and running skills,” said Fiji Rugby Union’s Vela Naucukidi while launching the tournament as the chief guest.
“I like Quick Rip Rugby because girls can play too. It is safe because there are no contacts,” Naitasiri U12 girls’ winger Ilisapeci Vukea said.
