A NEW generation has discovered the history of the birthplace of the game thanks to a special Rugby World Cup schools programme.
Over 2,500 children have taken part in the programme, which is running throughout the tournament at the Rugby Village and Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.
It includes a film detailing Rugby’s Proud Home heritage, tag rugby sessions, and a tour of the Art Gallery and Museum’s World Cup exhibitions.
Pupils also learn the rules of the game and discover how traditional rugby balls were manufactured before making a personalised miniature rugby ball to take home as a souvenir.
The sessions end with a commemorative class photograph with pupils sporting traditional rugby caps, while pupils take home a Proud Home goody bag and teachers receive an education pack to continue the subject in the classroom.
Rugby Borough Council culture spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “From the very beginning we wanted to make sure residents engaged with the event and enjoyed the tournament atmosphere in the town.
“Our schools programme has helped create a special World Cup memory for hundreds of pupils and given youngsters the chance to discover Rugby’s unique place in history.”
The schools programme was devised by Rugby Borough Council’s sports development team and Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, and supported by Cemex.
Visit www.ragm.co.uk for more information about Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s schools and education programmes.
