RFU unveils its newest recruit English Bulldog Ruckley as its children's rugby ambassador

By Gary Anderson

September 14 - English bulldog Ruckley was unveiled as the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) new children's rugby mascot at an event in Twickenham today, attended by former England player Graham Rowntree and current prop forward Alex Corbisiero.

Rowntree and Corbisiero were on hand to welcome the new animated recruit who was presented in front of an excited crowd of children aged five to 11-years-old to help launch the RFU's Kids First campaign.

During the event, a short animated film showed how Ruckley was transformed into a tough tackling skilful rugby player after finding a crystal ball buried under the Twickenham pitch.

Ruckley was created by awarding South African-based animation production company Sunrise.

"We're delighted to welcome Ruckley to the England set up," said Rowntree, who played 54 times for England and was part of Warren Gatland's coaching set-up during this summer's successful British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

"He's got an infectious personality and he's already become everyone's best friend.

"We're certain he will help lots of children fall in love with the game."

Ruckley gets stuck into training with the England squad

Ruckley will be busy over the coming weeks and months as he will be used by the RFU to help explain and promote the new Kids First campaign as well as helping to make the sport more engaging and easier to understand for young players and fans.

"Ruckley's an inspiration to have around the place," said Northampton Saints' player Corbisiero.

"He's always barking encouragement which helps motivate us no end.

"We're sure his boundless energy will rub off on all those children thinking of taking up rugby."

The new Kids Fist campaign aims to take a fresh approach to the way mini rugby is played and its overall aim is to improve the skill levels of young players and to help retain them into the adult game.

It has been developed following research commissioned by the RFU and carried out by Exeter University.

Ruckley gets up close to the action as Graeme Rowntree puts the England players through their paces

"Our Kids First approach aims to enhance the rugby experience for young players, coaches and parents to help keep more players in the game," said RFU player development manager Gary Townsend.

"The focus is on the child and giving them a bite-sized, manageable programme so players of all abilities can develop at their own pace.

"Kids First Rugby also manages the transition through the introduction of contact, which we believe is a vital factor in retaining young players into the future."

The new rules for playing rugby under the Kids First approach is now mandatory at all clubs in England at under-seven, under-eight and under-nine level after being successfully trialled in Durham, Hampshire and Warwickshire over the last three years.

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