Harbin Engineering University hosted the official launch of the inaugural Heilongjiang Provincial University Rugby Association in China. 20 Universities from the province are now registered members of the newly formed association.
Each university currently has about 100 representative players who are currently playing TRY Rugby, but the official launch of the Rugby Association which includes letters of appointment to P.E. teachers in the 20 member Universities will mean 200,000 new players for the province.
Plans are already in place for World Rugby Training and Education courses to be organised to support the projected growth and ensure that pathways are in place to maximize player retention.
Current university players in the province (2000) are expected to be trained as GIR Coaches & Match Officials over the next 12 months and help deliver GIR sessions to the Universities.
As part of the event, Harbin Engineering University also hosted the 4th edition of TRY Rugby tournament with 11 boys and 9 girls teams attending the event. The event has grown from 6 teams in 2014 to 20 teams this year with about 400 players in attendance!
The Deaf & Mute Rugby team from Shenyang City was also invited for an exhibition game and the players were thrilled to be able to travel and play rugby.
Wechat links on CCTV 5 footage and event video with drone work on links below, enjoy!
