Students from Ballylinan National School were showing off their rugby skills at the AVIVA Stadium recently.
The students were among more than 350 children from 19 primary schools across Ireland who lined out in the home of Irish rugby and had the opportunity to take part in a blitz to celebrate another milestone year for ALDI Play 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.
The stars were there to put the children through their paces and stand shoulder to shoulder with the next generation of young Irish Rugby stars.
Since 2016, ALDI has been a proud partner of the IRFU, offering significant support to the ALDI Play Rugby initiative.
This non-contact primary schools rugby program, developed by the IRFU and supported by ALDI, provides a safe and enjoyable introduction to rugby for primary school students, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles
Through ALDI Play Rugby, schools gain access to resources such as sessions with Community Rugby Officers, online coaching materials, and complimentary coaching equipment, resulting in a jump in participation by over 90% since ALDI’s involvement.
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 and encouraged to embrace healthy habits.
Speaking about the festival, Paul O’Connell, ALDI Play Rugby Ambassador and former Ireland captain, commented: “It was brilliant to be part of the ALDI Play Rugby National Festival at the Aviva Stadium.”
“It’s a pleasure to witness the enthusiasm and excitement of these young players,” Paul O’Connell stated further, “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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