Aviva’s season of IRFU Mini Rugby Festivals begins this weekend with Ulster and Leinster hosting hundreds of young rugby players hoping to get a chance to run out at the Aviva Stadium on the 30th April.

Aviva’s expanded programme for Mini Rugby has seen a Festival allocated to every province for 2016, doubling the amount of teams able to participate this season.

The Ulster Aviva Mini Rugby Festival kicks it all off on Saturday 5th March in Ballyclare RFC, followed by the Leinster Mini Rugby Festival in Co. Carlow RFC on Sunday 6th March. There will be over 20 clubs from across each province involved in the Festivals.

This weekend’s festivals will be followed next month with provincial festivals in Munster (University of Limerick) on the 9th April and Connacht (Ballina RFC) on the 10th April. Each team that competes at one of the provincial Festivals will then be in with the chance to play at the Aviva National Mini Rugby Festival at the Aviva Stadium on the 30th April.

The Festival gives teams a chance to develop their skills against teams from across the province, learning new ways to play in a non-competitive and fun environment. Each of the Minis on the day will receive a certificate signed by Jamie Heaslip, Ireland captain Rory Best and Robbie Henshaw and an Aviva Mini Rugby Festival wristband.

Mark Russell, Aviva Sponsorship Manager, said; “We are delighted to be able to expand the reach of the Mini Rugby Festivals this year to ensure a Festival in every province. This makes it easier for clubs to get involved and shows the growing appeal of rugby from a young age. The Festivals not only gives kids the chance to learn new skills and enjoy playing the game but it gives them a glimpse of what it’s like to play at the Aviva Stadium and hopefully this will inspire the next group of Robbie Henshaws and Jamie Heaslips!”

Hendrik Kruger, IRFU Age Grade Manager, said; “Mini rugby is such a crucial stage for all prospective rugby players as it delivers their first impression of the sport. These festivals with the support of Aviva, help to ensure that initial engagement with rugby is a memorable and enjoyable experience. Another benefit of these festivals is that they serve as a forum for; coaches, referees and parents from all over Ireland to share ideas, learn from each other and enjoy the spectacle together”

For more information on the Aviva Mini Rugby Provincial Festivals then log on to www.irishrugby.ie/avivaminis or email avivaminis@irishrugby.ie

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