Island Rugby has opened registration for the 2013 winter season. Rugby Sevens will debut as one of the new Olympic sports at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and USA Rugby wants to offer youngsters to learn the sport and have the opportunity to compete against the world for a gold medal in rugby.

Instructional rugby sessions will be held inside the gym at the Newport County YMCA in Middletown on Sunday mornings,January 13 to March 3,  rain or shine. Although rugby players are taught to evade contact as much as possible, students will be taught how to safely tackle and be tackled. They will also learn to run, pass, kick and catch a rugby ball. All participants are required to pre-register as a member of the Newport County Youth Rugby Football Club through www.usarugby.org. The annual $20 USA Rugby membership provides insurance to the registered participant as well as third party liability insurance for the venue hosts.

A minimal YMCA rugby registration fee will also apply for the 8 week session – $30 members; $35 non-members. Pre-register at www.newportymca.org or visit them in person.

The schedule is:

• 8-11 year old boys and girls — Rookie Rugby, 10 am – 10:55 am
• 12-15 year old boys — Olympic 7’s Rugby, 11 am – 11:55 am
• 16-19 year old boys — Intro to Full Contact Rugby, 12 pm – 1 pm

The group is preparing this winter through light contact and fun inter-community mini rugby game, for its 2013 spring and summer seasons of full contact outdoor rugby.

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