More than 600 players, many of them children, will pack into South Leeds Stadium at the John Charles Centre for Sport for the LHF Healthplan National Disability Tag Rugby Festival 2006.

Taking place over two days on 28-29 September and with 150 Tag matches played, the festival is the biggest event of its kind to be held in the UK.

Organised by Leeds City Council’s Sport Development Unit and supported by both the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Football League (RFL), the event is sponsored for the first time by Leeds based healthplan provider, LHF Healthplan.

Tag Rugby is a minimal contact version of rugby, containing many elements of the game. Tackles are made by removing one of the Velcro ‘tags’ attached to each player’s belt and the games are fast and skilful.

Leeds City Council Executive Member for Leisure Councillor John Procter said: “One of the highlights of the disability sport programme, the festival now in its fifth year offers a great opportunity for disabled players to meet and enjoy competitive rugby. The event is important to all partners who are involved and we are pleased to be working with them.”

The festival aims to promote both codes involved in rugby union and rugby league as well as disabled sport on a national level. Due to its increasing success in previous years, the event has been expanded over two days to allow for more players, including one day for adults on 28 September. Sponsorship of the event has also increased the capacity of participants aged eight to 19 on the juniors day.

Director of Marketing for LHF Healthplan, Jane Fenwick said: “LHF is delighted to sponsor this year’s LHF Healthplan National Disability Tag Rugby Festival. Already the sponsor of Rugby League’s National League, we are committed to helping people in Yorkshire remain fit and healthy and this festival is a great way to ensure that sport is accessible to everyone.”

The Leeds Rhinos have been invited to attend the festival on the 29 th September and Super League match officials will be refereeing the games. The Super League Skill Zone will allow players to test their skills, while coaching sessions will be carried out. Participants can test all the different disciplines of rugby - passing, tackling, running and passing obstacles on the giant size inflatable. Tutors from Skills Agility and Quickness (SAQ) international training programme will also be available as part of the fun filled activity days.

There will be the opportunity to experience wheelchair rugby with a display programme by the GB Wheelchair rugby league team.

Leeds City Council rugby coaches will work with Leeds schools who enter the festival in the run up to the event. School teams and individuals who enrol early will be entered into a free prize draw to win a free digital camera from LHF Healthplan.

To apply or for further information, please log on to www.leeds.gov.uk and enter tag rugby in the site search. Alternatively contact either Katy Elliott, Leeds City Council Disability Sports Development Officer or Andrew Wilson, Leeds City Council Rugby League Development Officer, on 0113 3950001.

For further information contact Nadia Kassas or Jessica Davenport at

Mere PR on 0161 929 8700 or alternatively email nadia@mere.co.uk