Beach rugby is a sport imported from the South Pacific islands. It requires speed, tactics, and technique. Since Monday, children from leisure centers in Alpes-Maritimes (ages 8-12) have been participating in fun workshops to learn the basics of beach rugby on the fields of Jardins Albert-Ier, in Nice. Jean-Pierre Rey, the regional technical advisor of the departmental rugby committee, shares the reasons that led him to organize the event.
What led you to organize a day of activities around rugby?
Jean-Pierre Rey: Under the aegis of the departmental committee, we’ve decided to organize this day to promote rugby and introduce beach rugby to children. The contacts are not hard on the ground, tackles are forbidden, as it is touch-only (sic). However, there are still quite fun phases [editor’s note: the children learn tackling technique using punching bags. They also work on speed.] and they are doing very well. That’s why they enjoy it, by the way (smile).
How many children are participating in this day?
J.-P. R.: More than 50 children are coming with their leisure center facilitators, who are playing along very well. They might have occasionally played rugby, but they do multisports. They enjoy it, so everything is going well.
Your protégés seem very involved. What messages have you conveyed to them?
J.-P. R.: We want to instill in them the knowledge of a team sport, because, as they say: “Rugby is life.” Moreover, this sport conveys very important values to us, which we try to instill in the children. These values are essential. Clearly, the message is getting through very well.
Can beach rugby follow the same progression as other sand (or indoor) sports that are increasingly sparking curiosity?
J.-P. R.: Of course! This is the first year we’re participating in Nice 100% Sport, but we see there’s a huge crowd. It’s open until 4 p.m. for leisure centers, after that it’s open to everyone. Yesterday (Monday), the stadium was full until 6:30 p.m. (The budding rugby players shout in unison: “Beach rugby!”) You see, it never stops; the children are very enthusiastic and highly motivated.
