Easing of restrictions will see MOE-approved resumption of the National School Games with both 7-a-side and tag rugby as the format for this year’s rugby competitions
Participants taking part in the tag rugby carnival on Saturday, 19 March 2022.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION
“With you! On your right!”, the all too familiar rugby calls on the vast Dampsey field pierces through the unforgiving Saturday afternoon heat.
As the winger from one of the teams swiftly breaks through the defense line and scores a try, there is a palpable atmosphere of jubilation that rugby is finally coming back after a 2-year long hiatus.
Participants taking part in the tag rugby carnival on Saturday, 19 March 2022.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION
The tag rugby carnival organised by Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) for the local women’s clubs on Saturday, 19 March 2022 marked the beginning of a gradual transition back into contact rugby.
Charlie Brown, SRU’s Community Development Manager, said: “What has been pleasing to see is the creative approach from the community to ensure that rugby has not disappeared completely, be it through online sessions or training in small groups.”
Confronted by restrictive SMM guidelines which have made it impossible to continue playing contact rugby in its typical format, the SRU and the wider rugby community have turned to innovative means to keep the sport alive.
As part of their “Return to Contact Rugby Roadmap” initiative, SRU implemented Tag Rugby as the starting point for contact rugby players.
Participants taking part in the tag rugby carnival on Saturday, 19 March 2022.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION
Striving to grow the women’s contact rugby scene in particular, SRU’s Women’s Development Program, which was kickstarted at the start of the year, has shown great promise as seen by the expanding pool of tertiary school teams.
The introductory program is rolling out in three phases (tag rugby → modified contact rugby → contact rugby), each consisting of six sessions followed by a carnival to put the players' new skills to test.
Participants taking part in the tag rugby carnival on Saturday, 19 March 2022.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION
Reflecting on the tumultuous past two years, Mr Brown remarks that it’s been rewarding to finally see the players' smiles on the field and hopes to keep the momentum going.
Showcasing true solidarity, women’s clubs spanning from Blacks to Wolves have been proactive in supporting the growth of these tertiary institutions by volunteering as coaches and guiding this new wave of players.
Xin Jie, Wolves Rugby Club player shared: “It’s my first time playing tag rugby and it’s interesting to see how we can find alternatives to playing rugby in such pandemic times. Love the games amidst the hot weather, and I’m so pumped for contact rugby and the upcoming matches!”
Participants taking part in the tag rugby carnival on Saturday, 19 March 2022.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION
With the gradual easing of restrictions, exciting developments are in sight, including the MOE-approved resumption of the National School Games with both 7-a-side and tag rugby as the format for this year’s competitions.
The annual Club 7s and 10s tournaments are also set to make a comeback in the upcoming months. On top of all these, rugby players and fans are in for a treat with the highly anticipated HSBC Rugby 7s returning to our shores as well.
While resuming activities as-per-normal remains SRU’s top priority, Mr Brown ultimately hopes that the rugby scene in Singapore grows on all fronts for men, women, boys and girls.
He adds, “rugby is a fantastic sport with such strong values that can be taken into all walks of life, and we hope that we can expand our community to all corners of Singapore.”