The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has committed to helping Rugby Australia roll out its first Indigenous Rugby program known as Deadly 7s in 2018.
The ASC has agreed to support the initiative through the Australian Government’s $160 million Sporting Schools Program.
Since Deadly 7s first kicked off in 2016 more than 17,000 students, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, have taken part.
Now the five-week course is on offer to all schools from term two which means thousands more kids will soon be given their first taste of Rugby.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle said: ‘’We’re very appreciative for the Australian Sports Commission’s ongoing support to fund this fantastic program.
‘’Deadly 7s doesn’t just teach kids the Rugby basics, it teaches them about the importance of education and healthy lifestyles.’’
ASC’s Sport Participation (Acting) Deputy General Manager Robert Bennett said: “We know sport and physical activity can contribute to a healthier, happier Australia and we can have a significant impact by focusing on children.
“A vital way we’re reaching Australian children through sport and physical activity is through Sporting Schools. Rugby’s latest offering provides another quality program to encourage more children to get active.”
Wallaroos winger Mahalia Murphy is the official ambassador for the program and believes it has big potential.
‘’It has the power to influence the next generation of Rugby players who just need a nudge in the right direction.’’
The free five-week program can be taught before, during or after school from terms two to four.
