International stars to oversee three-day course

THE island's young rugby stars of the future are to benefit from a three-day coaching course in the October half-term break. Guernsey Mini/Youth Rugby Club has secured sponsorship from NatWest to enable them to put on the event from 24 to 26 October.

Organised by NRG (Next Rugby Generation) for the club, local youngsters will benefit from training sessions with a number of level-two coaches who have international experience.

The course will take place at Foote's Lane with additional support provided by local coaches, who will also benefit from the experience.

Director of rugby Dave Parish is delighted for the club's youngsters.

'We plan to build on the enthusiasm and commitment to the sport shown by our young players in the wake of the England World Cup success and look out for our own Jonny Wilkinson.

'We currently have a membership of 280 young players in the club and have been very fortunate to secure sponsorship from NatWest. The cost of bringing over coaches with international experience is not cheap, but with the support provided by NatWest, we are able to subsidise the cost of the travel, accommodation, facilities and equipment necessary to stage this event.

'We will still need to charge players, but at a far cheaper rate.'

Places are open to all young people, both girls and boys, not just rugby club members. The girls' age limit is 12.

More details of the coaching scheme will be available soon when NRG publishes its brochure, but for more information, contact Parish on 252993 or e-mail parish@cwgsy.net.