Bradford College

Rugby India Prepares for Commonwealth Games at College

As preparation for the Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens Tournament in Delhi in October, Rugby India is undertaking a Training and Competition programme in Bradford. The Squad is being hosted by Bradford College and will receive coaching clinics from the premier coaches of Yorkshire RFU , Bradford & Bingley Bees RUFC , Bradford Bulls and Leeds Carnegie, with excellent support from the British Asian Rugby Association, Bradford Council and Welcome to Yorkshire.

BARA Managing Director, Ikram Butt, and College Project Manager, Ronnie Todd commented: ‘’We are absolutely delighted that Rugby India has chosen our region and Clubs to prepare for such a prestigious event. This forms part of the work we are undertaking to promote the Sport of Rugby across all communities. The Sevens will be one of the highlights of the Commonwealth Games and will help spread Rugby across the world.’’

From the perspective of our Clubs, Bulls Chairman Peter Hood added: ‘’Our Club is honoured to provide a different insight to coaching drills and let the squad experience Odsal.”  West  Yorkshire RFU Coach, Hamish Pratt and his team will deliver coaching sessions at Waggon Lane, including Rugby India talking part in the Bees Pre – Season Performance Assessment. Bees Chairman Glen Shaw said: ‘’It is a ground – breaking development for our Club. The highlight  will be for us to host the Rugby India Sevens on Sunday 15 August from 1pm onwards, at Waggon Lane ,with teams from BARA, Yorkshire Select , Leicester and our lads , ensuring that Rugby India have a serious workout. We are planning our next pre –season Tour to India, building up a long –term sports partnership.’’

During the Tour, the Squad will be hosted at local Temples, meeting a range of community groups. Bradford Council Assistant Director, Phil Barker remarked: ‘’It is great to see top class Sports participants training in our City and working alongside our communities to show what we can achieve. I’m sure the Games will be a great success and we will have contributed to Rugby India’s tremendous progress.”