Last Sunday over 600 children from 13 Rugby Clubs across seven counties played in one of the UK's largest independent Minis & Juniors Rugby Festivals, the Oakman Cup, at Allianz Park.
The early stopping point on the road that leads from grassroots to greatness has been the creation of Peter Borg-Neal, the founder and CEO ofOakman Inns, and who himself was a rugby player and head coach, director of rugby and chairman of Tring RFC.
The children, aged between 6 and 10, play at rugby clubs supported by their local Oakman Inn as part of the pub group's community support programme. For Peter Borg-Neal – and, indeed, many of his fellow board directors, their families, investors and staff – the ethos of team sports, and Rugby in particular, has made up part of the DNA that has brought success to Oakman Inns.
Peter Borg-Neal explained: “Almost all our local pubs, support their local RFC, cricket club or other sporting enterprises that promote the development of children. We know from experience that training at rugby clubs provides a safe, structured introduction to the sport. Playing rugby teaches kids what's known as the TREDS Code of Conduct- Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship – a pretty good set of life skills for tackling today's modern world.”
He added: “The day provides aspiring young players with a memorable experience that they want to share and repeat – and might well produce a player who will one day lead their country's team onto the pitch at a Rugby World Cup.”
The Oakman Cup has been praised by many club chairs and RFU Presidents.
This year, Peter Wheeler, the RFU President, added his support: “It is wonderful to see this fifth Oakman Cup giving more than 600 youngsters from clubs across seven counties the chance to get together and enjoy all the benefits that rugby offers.”
