East Grinstead Rugby Club (EGRFC) held its twelfth Sunshine Sevens Primary Schools Tag Tournament last Friday (27 April) involving 12 local primary school teams and although the weather was not shining, their enthusiasm certainly was!

Teams of Year 5 and Year 6 pupils continued the tradition of involving all ages of rugby players in the Sunshine Sevens events and which is very much in line with the clubs return to being a community rugby club.

The event held a different RFU age grade format this year in that it was a festival of matches without results being recorded to determine event winners. The teams were given the opportunity to develop and show their skills without competition pressures.

Three Year 10 students from Imberhorne School , Tanvir Ahmed, Sean Madden and Tom Digby did their school proud and acted as Team Leaders to all the primary schools who participated which included Halsford Park, Ashurst Wood, West Hoathly, St Mary’s, Estcots, St Peter’s, Crawley Down, Turners Hill, Felbridge, Copthorne and Blackwell.

David Hooker, EGRFC Intermediate Chairman said “We must thank Steve Hill, the Schools Sports Coordinator who has for the twelfth time organised the participation of the primary schools and provision of senior school pupils to help run the event. The day has proved an invaluable link between the rugby club and all primary and secondary schools within the town as many pupils play regularly at the club each Sunday morning in the squads the club runs at every age group up to under 18”.

EGRFC coaches were fully involved in the event and showed the players the benefits and fun of playing rugby along with a very special guest, International and Harlequins player, Leanne Riley.

Leanne Riley started playing rugby at the age of 9 for her school and from there she joined the local rugby club. Leanne was invited to county, regional, and divisional trials at u13/u15/u18 age groups and was called up to England U20's. Last year Leanne was part of the England Squad and competed in the Women's Rugby World Cup 2017. Leanne currently plays her club rugby for Harlequins Women and will hope to remain part of the England Squad in 2018-2019 season.

Joanne Gillam, EGRFC Junior Chairman said: “East Grinstead Rugby Club would like to thank Leanne Riley for supporting the event, it was such a lovely opportunity for the children to meet and train with such an aspiring experienced young international player. Grass roots rugby is the lifeblood of our club and we welcome girls and boys of all ages and abilities”.

“On 3 August, EGRFC are hosting a Lions Sports Academy for girls. It’s a very exciting time for the club. Players must be between the ages of 8-18 years, so whether you are a first time player or an experienced one, we would love to meet you” Joanne added.

The club promotes a close family atmosphere and offers rugby to all children, whatever their ability. The season runs from September until the end of April, although there will be activities in the summer months as EGRFC will be running fun camps for various age groups. If you would like your child to trial rugby, then visit www.egrfc.com or email operations@egrfc.com.

If you are interested in joining The Lions Academy, please call 01342 322338 or email operations@egrfc.com