Great Day Out At Thomond For Mini Blitz

12 mini rugby teams from around the province got the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their Munster heroes and play on the Thomond Park pitch at the weekend in an U-10 tag tournament.

The tournament was part of a fantastic day out as over a thousand rugby fans visited Thomond Park to see rugby's greatest prize, the Webb Ellis Cup.

The clubs that took part on the day were; Shannon, Newcastle West, Kinsale (below), UL Bohs, Muskerry, Ballincollig, Youghal, Thomond, Cobh Pirates, Dungarvan, Young Munster and Scariff.

Along with playing on the hallowed turf, each team also got the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the World Cup trophy.

Check out a full gallery of the day here with full information on the event here.

The coaches and players of the 12 clubs were delighted and enjoyed a great day-out as you can see from the feedback below.

Eddie O'Callaghan – Muskerry RFC

Our sincere thanks for a most memorable and enjoyable day with Muskerry RFC U-10s at the World Cup Rugby Blitz at Thomond Park.

It was a privilege to be involved and to have been afforded such an opportunity not only to view the Webb Ellis trophy but also participate at Thomond Park.

Each and every player, coach and family member associated with Muskerry RFC enjoyed the experience and we are extremely grateful to you all for affording our club this opportunity.

Our lads gained a great deal from this experience and the one-on-one coaching tips Munster Rugby afforded our players was exceptional. Developing the core skills at a young age is enjoyable, challenging but above all rewarding as it's great to look at young lads aspiring to be the best they can be. Sunday will live forever in their memory. One young lad summed it up well when he said: "This is the best day of my life so far"

Once again our sincere thanks,

Eddie,Niall & All at Muskerry RFC.

Julian Colton – Dungarvan RFC

All players had a fantastic day with results including a win and a draw. The children had a wonderful time and the trip to Thomond Park was almost magical for them – the coaches enjoyed it too! The parents turned out in great support and it was incredible to see the numbers there. Pictures of the day in Thomond Park will be available to see in the Dungarvan Clubhouse as the new season commences and Dungarvan Rugby Club is always open to new boys & girls who would like to join and experience a true team sporting culture.

Kevin Carey – Dungarvan RFC

I am the Juvenal Chairman and Minis Coordinator at Dungarvan RFC and had the pleasure of being in Thomond Park on Sunday. I cannot tell you what a success the day was and the kids will remember it for a long time to come.

It was a great reward to see the lads all standing six feet tall as both a rugby coach and parent. My young fella is a rugby nut and I know the day was like a dream come true for him, especially as he scored one or two tries on the day.

The fact that the Webb Ellis was present for all to see was the icing on the cake. Thanks again for a great day and please let me know of any other events Munster will be holding.

Barry McConkey – Shannon

Thank you very much for a really enjoyable day in Thomond Park.

It really meant a lot to both players and parents to get to play on such a famous pitch , they were seriously chuffed coming away. To get their picture with the World Cup was icing on the cake .

Thanks again to Amanda, Ultan, Andy, Noel and all involved .

It would be something to consider to make it an U-10s blitz each year as it was a great PR day for Munster and Thomond Park .

Robert Tucker – Young Munster

Young Munster U-10s had a great day and it was a great opportunity for all the kids to play in Thomond Park and I'm sure its a memory they will always remember. It was a great family event and the tag rugby element ensured the mommies were happy to watch!

Great to see this type of event from Munster Rugby, long may it continue.

Pass on thanks to Ultan and all the Munster team organising events on the day.

John Henry – UL Bohemians

From a mini rugby point of view it was brilliant and something we should have every summer for girls and boys rugby teams.

Very well organised and everyone had a ball.
The Shannon RFC team at the blitz