Pilot scheme aimed at primary rugby

Primary school rugby players of both sexes in the Wairarapa-Bush region will benefit from a pilot scheme being introduced next term
The scheme is being totally funded by the NZRFU and will be supervised locally by Glenn Bunny, who has been appointed primary schools rugby administrator for the the Wairarapa-Bush union.
It will see schools divided into eight clusters and they will play either non-tackle (rippa) or tackle rugby depending on the make-up of competing teams.
Bunny emphasised the new plan would not be competing with the traditional Saturday morning JAB competitions for players as matches would be played mid-week and at times and venues suitable to the schools involved.
"It is an opportunity for all primary school students to participate in rugby outside of the Saturday morning competitions," he said.,
The wide area covered under the scheme is evidenced by the schools included in each of the clusters. They are:-
Cluster one (North-East):Akitio, Makuri, weber, Pongaroa, Tiraumea.
Cluster two (North): Mauriceville, Alfredton, Eketahuna, Mangamaire.
Cluster three (Central):Opaki, Lakeview,St Patricks, Hadlow, Kura Kaupapa.
Cluster four (East): Tinui, Whareama, Wainuioru, Gladstone.
Cluster five (West): Douglas Park, Masterton Intermediate, Masterton Primary, Fernridge, Solway.
Cluster six (Central-Southern): Carterton, St Marys, Dalefield, South End.
Cluster seven (South): Greytown, Featherston,South Featherston, St Teresas.
Cluster eight (South-East): Martinborough, Pirinoa, Kahutara, Tuturumuri.
Bunny, a former Wairarapa College student who has played rugby in Italy, England and Wales , mainly as a centre or fullback, and is a current member of the Carterton senior squad, has the hectic task of organising personnel to run each of the clusters.
Therefore he is keen to hear from anyone prepared to assist with coaching and refereeing on a regular basis.
"Voluntary help is going to be essential to make it work," he said. "The more the merrier in that respect."
Bunny said the Wairarapa-Bush union's commitment to primary school students at that integral stage of their rugby development was not only to provide assistance in the competitive environment by supplying essential gear and specialist coaching when required, but also to offer both playing and non-playing primary school students opportunities to participate in rugby as a recreational option.
"The whole idea is to promote rugby in a positive light," he said. "And there is no way better of doing that than to get hundreds of kids involved, is there?"