Summer signings Errie Claassens and Josh Drauniniu enjoyed the summer sun as they got out into the local region to join forces with the Worcestershire RFU Community team to promote the O2 Touch Rugby project.
It was carnival time at Astwood Bank on Saturday, July 16 and being one of the biggest local carnivals, Alcester RFC seized the chance to show off their skills, promoting both the club and the all-inclusive game of touch rugby.
The added bonus for the club and carnival-goers was watching and mimicking the silky handling skills and nimble footwork of Warriors summer recruits Claassens and Drauniniu. The Sixways duo were on opposite sides for five short games when all ages, genders and abilities were able to bask in the glory of playing alongside the stars.
The players were given a short break to sample the delights of the various carnival stalls and Morris Dancing demonstration and were only once side-tracked by the food on offer! They then returned to the fray and at the end answered questions from players, club coaches and visitors about life at their new club.
Steve Marchant, Club Secretary at Alcester RFC mirrored many comments when he said: “It was excellent to see Errie and Josh here. It was motivating for the young players, helped us to attract some potential new club members and shows the worth of a Community focussed Aviva Premiership club like Worcester Warriors.
“We hope to see more of the Warriors players over the next season as we strengthen our links with both the club and the RFU. Our thanks go to O2 for supporting the touch initiative and our coaches have now decided summer training will revolve around the formal version of touch as it is such a good game for conditioning and core skills.”
Chris Hargreaves, the RFU Community Rugby Coach based at Warriors, assisted Alcester RFC with the event, both planning and delivery, and said: “The event went well, mostly because of the enthusiasm shown by Alcester RFC coaches and players in the run up and on the day and because of Errie and Josh's support. It was good to see how inclusive the game of touch can be as it's a game for all ages, abilities and genders.”