WRU Video: Ryan Jones promotes healthy living in Morriston
WRU Video: Morriston youth section Chairman Tony Segedelli
In an outreach programme Jamie Oliver would be proud of, the Welsh Rugby Union has already targeted schools throughout Wales and is now moving onto rugby clubs with its “Health Challenge Wales” message in partnership with the Welsh Assembly.
The players took a break from their RBS Six Nations campaign – which sees them joint top of the Championship leaderboard with France – and involved themselves in training sessions and various rugby activities at rugby clubs around the country before a specially created DVD entitled ‘Champs or Chips’ was shown to motivate children.
The floor was then open to questions with young rugby players keen to hear advice from their heroes about how they can eat and train themselves into a future in professional sport.
“We lead a privileged life in some respects in that we get to do what we love most every weekend and earn a living from it,” said Ryan Jones.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to play for Wales but we have all made sacrifices along the way. I suppose the key message we can offer as international players is that a healthy lifestyle may not always be the easiest option, but we are living proof that it can be the most rewarding – especially when we are winning!”
Jones visited Morriston rugby club this afternoon (Sunday) in the first of two ‘down’ weekends in the Six Nations Championship when first team players will be getting out and about to spread the good word of “Health Challenge Wales.”
Bridgend, Taibach, Aberystwyth and Llandybie Rugby Clubs also hosted senior player visits today and on March 2nd, between Wales’s clashes with Italy and Ireland, players will travel even further and wider afield to North Wales visiting the likes of Wrexham, Mold, Ruthin and Pwllheli.
The WRU spokesman on “Health Challenge Wales,” Mostyn Richards, said: “The WRU is delighted to be working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government to support the Health Challenge Wales message throughout the Principality. Our international players will carry these important messages across Wales where many youngsters, and their parents, will be able to show their support and, if necessary, make some important changes to their lifestyles.”
