08-05-2025
Paul O'Connell and Beibhinn Parsons meet young Co Wicklow students
Students from Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin in Merrymeeting, Rathnew, joined over 300 boys and girls from 17 primary schools for the annual Aldi Play Rugby National Festival at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Wednesday, April 30.
Irish rugby stars and Aldi Play Rugby ambassadors, Paul O'Connell, Linda Djougang and Beibhinn Parsons were among the legends on hand to inspire, challenge and cheer on the students as they took to the hallowed turf and stepped into the boots of their rugby heroes.
The non-contact primary schools rugby programme was developed by the Irish Rugby Football Union and supported by Aldi.
It offers primary school students a safe and fun introduction to rugby and aims to encourage children to get active, participate in regular exercise and eat healthily.
Former Ireland captain Paul O'Connell commented: 'It was a joy to share the pitch with the future stars of tomorrow and experience their energy and enthusiasm for the sport.
'Programmes like Aldi Play Rugby are vital in building the future of Irish rugby and it's fantastic to see Aldi continuing to invest in the sport at grassroots level. Bring on next year!'
