Tag rugby is a non-contact sport for boys and girls that teaches the skills necessary to go on and play rugby union.

Louise Poole, EDF Energy's Head of Brand, said: “I watched the tag rugby displays and it was great to see the future of rugby union represented by children at Twickenham. The programme is all about producing the next generation of fans and players, and Sunday’s EDF Energy Cup final was the perfect occasion to highlight our commitment to that ambition.

“I hope all the children involved had a great day and will continue to enjoy and play rugby for many years to come.”

Every Premier Rugby club, along with National League One sides Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs, are involved in providing coaching through the programme.

Since it began in January, more than 130 schools across the country have received professional coaching, equipment, visits from players and taken part in regional tag rugby festivals. Schools where rugby has never been played before are among those being targeted.

Wayne Morris, Community Marketing Manager at Premier Rugby, said: “The first year of the EDF Energy programme has been a great success. We have been into over 130 schools, using tag rugby to introduce new children to the sport and to leave a legacy of sporting equipment and expertise to keep children at the school involved in rugby for years to come.
 
“Having the chance to play in front of so many supporters at Twickenham stadium, is yet another great opportunity the programme affords us.”

Leicester Tigers beat Welsh side Ospreys 41-35 in a thrilling EDF Energy Cup final, while Cornish Pirates came back from 6-16 to beat Exeter Chiefs 19-16 in the EDF Energy National Trophy final, held at Twickenham on the same day.

The programme, with EDF Energy as Premier Rugby’s Community Partner, runs through to July 2009.