The rugby team from HMS Edinburgh joined forces with the British Army’s Redwing Rugby team to assist the charity Play Rugby USA.
The aim of this charity is to tour schools in socially deprived areas of US cities and introduce the young to a challenging sport as well as the cohesive benefits of becoming part of a team.
Four schools in New York were selected; three in The Bronx and one in Brooklyn, near the ship’s berth. A mixture of Navy and Army team members went to each school supported by their coaching staff and members of the charity.
HMS Edinburgh’s Chaplain, Fr David Yates , said:
“ Even someone like me who doesn’t play rugby can see what a great day everyone has had.
“ This is a tremendous opportunity for us to work with our Army colleagues and to give something back to the community that has made us so welcome during our time here. ”
The Organising Officer and Coach, Lt Nick Wilson , said:
“ It was an honour to work with the Play Rugby team on such a special project in New York City. The children were fantastic and very engaging.
“ I hope that future visiting ships will be able to enjoy such a great opportunity as we did and have a real impact on the growing grass-roots rugby scene in New York. ”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, March 26, 2013; Image: UK Royal Navy