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Tag Time As BARA Crosses Codes
Source: Rob Wilkinson
Author: Rob Wilkinson
The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) has put its weight behind an initiative that could change the face of rugby for future generations.
Bradford Council’s Sport and Leisure Service, working with BARA, Leeds Tykes RU, Bradford Bulls RL, Bradford Vision, Leeds Met University, and both the RFU and RFL, has introduced tag rugby into over thirty primary schools across Bradford with a series of five week programme of regional tournaments including a launch event held at the Bulls’ Grattan Stadium.
It’s the first dual code development of its kind within the
UK and allows school children who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to play rugby to compete in and enjoy organised physical activity.
BARA Managing Director Ikram Butt, a dual code international and former professional RL star, views the development as a vital step towards a unified version of rugby that can be easily introduced to young people within both the international and domestic arena.
“Rugby is a fun and fantastic sport but for over 100 years we’ve had a split that can only be confusing to current and future generations and surely we must now start thinking long term. Vested interests and conservative attitudes must give way to initiatives such as this. It’s time to pool our resources!
“Both union and league have many benefits, both socially and individually but by introducing a generic rugby game to junior players we are helping to build a vibrant future that will benefit both codes.
“The tag rugby introduced in this initiative allows youngsters to get a grasp of the basic and fundamental skills involved in rugby per se as well as the myriad of benefits offered by being part of a team. With time those who decide to continue playing can chose their own path but we must make access to this ‘new’ sport as simple as possible.
“We have taken the best bits from each code to create an exciting experience which is clearly proving a big hit. It also provides a template that could see rugby flourish in relatively uncharted territory such as
South Asia,” added Ikram who hopes that the programme will lead to the establishment of a dual code club within Manningham.
Ikram commented: “The ground breaking dual code rugby project that’s been established in collaboration with our partners is unique and I am looking forward to seeing it come to fruition.”
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