Excitement surrounding the Rugby World Cup has spread to North Tyneside, with almost 100 children competing against each other in a themed tournament.
Sporting the team colours of the nations competing in the Rugby World Cup, nine first and primary schools descended on Marden Bridge Middle School, in Whitley Bay.
They were taking part in a tag rugby tournament against each other, and Whitley Bay’s Southridge First School, representing South Africa, took home the title.
A ‘fair play’ trophy was awarded to pupils from two first schools, Langley and Rockcliffe, for showing respect, passion, honesty and determination.
The event, which was held on Friday, was the idea of Langley First School’s headteacher Tim Jones and organised by North Tyneside Council’s PE and Sports team.
It aimed to celebrate the World Cup being held in the UK and to give youngsters the opportunity to try out the sport.
Speaking after the event, Tim said: “It was pleasure to be able to take part in a rugby festival during the Rugby World Cup.
“Hopefully with this festival and the opportunity to watch internationals at St James’ Park, be it in person or on TV, more of our youngsters will be inspired to play the sport – who knows, they might even go on to represent England one day!”
Cllr Eddie Darke, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, added: “Rugby World Cup fever has certainly gripped North Tyneside. We have had so many children taking part in a variety of rugby-themed events, and the feedback from the children, their parents and their teachers has been great.
“One of the aims of the Rugby World Cup was to help to create a legacy and get more young people playing the sport, and this is certainly happening in our borough.”
Before the event took place, the nine schools were offered rugby training sessions from Access Coaching, and Vision Education provided equipment and t-shirts for the children.
Darren Starling, Primary Education Manager, from Vision for Education said: “Vision for Education did not hesitate to support this fantastic, local sporting event. We passionately believe in investing in and supporting North Tyneside’s children and schools and the wider community.
“Being from North Tyneside myself, it gives me great pride to be able to give back as much as possible to the community in which I grew up. The success of the event is testament to the hard work of Mr Jones and all of the schools and children involved in the tournament.”
Whitley Bay-based Rockcliffe RFC also provided support on the day, and the club supplied information on its activities to highlight the opportunities for the children to carry on playing after the event.