The annual ALDI Play Rugby National Festival took place in the Aviva Stadium last week with over 350 children from 19 primary schools around Ireland coming together in the home of Irish Rugby.

Irish Rugby stars and ALDI brand ambassadors, Paul O’Connell and James Ryan along with women’s international player, Ruth Campbell were present throughout the day to put the children through their paces and stand shoulder to shoulder with the next generation of young Irish Rugby stars.

ALDI has partnered with the IRFU since 2016, providing substantial investment in the ALDI Play Rugby programme. ALDI Play Rugby is a non-contact primary schools rugby programme developed by the IRFU and supported by ALDI.

It offers primary school students a safe and fun introduction to rugby and aims to encourage children to get active, participate in regular exercise and eat healthily. As part of the programme, schools are offered access to invaluable resources including sessions with Community Rugby Officers, online coaching resources and free coaching equipment.

The programme has been a resounding success with participation skyrocketing by more than 90% since ALDI first came on board. 2023 saw the highest engagement of any ALDI Play Rugby programme year to date with more than 126,000 students from 724 schools across Ireland taking part.

ALDI recently extended its partnership with the IRFU for another four years, which will see it continue as Official Fresh Food Partner until 2028.

ALDI will continue to offer meaningful investment and support to ALDI Play Rugby, ensuring that children all over Ireland are given the opportunity to get involved in rugby, meet their heroes and encouraged to embrace healthy habits.

“It was brilliant to be part of a great day,” said Paul O’Connell.

“It’s a pleasure to witness the enthusiasm and excitement of these young players and I’m delighted to stand alongside them as they take their first steps into the world of rugby. ALDI’s commitment to supporting grassroots rugby and promoting a healthy lifestyle through programmes like this is commendable and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

 

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