Queensland Rugby Union (QRU), in partnership with Brisbane Catholic Education, will this week launch the first of three Primary Schools Sevens tournaments for the first time since 2019.
Over 1000 players from across 38 different schools will compete across Sevens tournaments in Brisbane West, Brisbane South and Brisbane North, with two ages divisions – U10s and U12s – catered for.
Kenmore Rugby Club will play host to the Brisbane West tournament this Wednesday, 26 May, before the Brisbane South event takes place on 9 June at St Laurence College’s playing fields and Brisbane North at Padua College’s playing fields on 16 June.
QRU’s State Development Manager Grant Dwyer said: “It’s great to see the Brisbane Catholic Primary School Sevens return for 2021.
“Last year our efforts were hampered by COVID which meant we had to put the tournaments on hold for a year after the inaugural event in 2019, but we’ve seen a great uptake from primary schools around the wider Brisbane metro area.
“Brisbane Catholic Education have been excellent partners to work with over the last 24 months, in particular Pam Betts and Greg Casey from Brisbane Catholic Education, as well as Nick Fogarty from St William’s, Dan Hodge from St Joachim’s and Gavan Mins from St Mary’s in Ipswich.
“These tournaments provide a great chance to introduce primary school aged students to Rugby in a fun and safe environment and our aim is to see players transition through to regular club Rugby with many BJRU (Brisbane Junior Rugby Union) clubs who offer fantastic opportunities for families to join fun, safe and inclusive clubs.”
BCE Executive Director Pam Betts said the BCE Primary Schools’ Rugby Sevens carnivals provided an amazing opportunity for younger students of all abilities to showcase their athletic talents.
“With just over 100 teams competing from 38 primary schools, I’m looking forward to catching up with staff and students from our schools and watching some very competitive games in a safe and fun environment,” Miss Betts said.
“These carnivals also are a great opportunity for our schools to connect with each other and for some of our smaller schools there is the option to form teams with other schools for the day.
Miss Betts said there is a wonderful history of Catholic school students participating in Rugby Union, including those who have excelled with the Wallabies and been part of our World Cup victories.
She said events of this scale cold not happen without the support of our staff and parents who contribute to these carnivals in many ways.
“Our partnership with the Queensland Rugby Union and the Queensland Reds over the past few years has helped us to grow these opportunities for students in our primary schools.
“It is invaluable for the successful running of these tournaments over three days in different locations.
“Our thanks to those who have provided the venue for the three days – St Laurence’s College, Padua College and Kenmore Junior Rugby Union Club.”
2021 will also see QRU host the inaugural All Schools Primary Schools Sevens, on Friday 22 October, which will be an extension of the All Schools Sevens tournament which caters for high schools, which has been successful in attracting new schools and participants to the game.
