The London Rugby League Foundation hosted its first Primary Rugby League festival this weekend as part of a wet and windy Brighton 9s event. The Brighton 9s is rapidly becoming the go-to event in the adult rugby league calendar, with the festival attracting men's and women's from all over the country for the fourth year in a row, but this was the first year that a junior event has run as part of the weekend. 

Six clubs (Medway Dragons, Sussex Merlins, Brixton Bulls, Eastern Rhinos, Harpenden Roosters, Surrey Sharks) were in attendance on the day to take part at Under 7s, Under 9s and Under 11s, and the kids defied the blustery weather to produce some fine rugby league in a fantastic spirit.  All the clubs involved stayed true to the ethos of Primary Rugby League: Fun, enjoyment and player development.

Rugby AM were there on the day to capture the fun, together with special guest, Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain star, Chev Walker.  The children had the chance to meet England mascot Grubber, and get a photo with the grandest trophy in rugby league, the Rugby League Challenge Cup. 

The festival is one of a series of Primary Rugby League festivals that make up the playing season for clubs in London and the South East, but the first one of three organised and delivered by the Foundation.  The next festival will be held on Saturday 22nd July at Ealing Trailfinders as part of the London Junior League finals day, followed by the London Rugby League Challenge Cup festival, which takes place prior to the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on 26th August.  Any clubs interested in taking part should contact Dan Steel for more information: [email protected].