Hertfordshire rugby clubs are encouraged to invite their student players back to represent them at the county's first Under 23 Student Club Rugby Festival this month.
Old Albanian RFC near St Albans is the venue on Monday December 22, 2008, with the accent on fun and social rugby but a serious message too as it allows clubs to stay in touch with players who have gone to college or university.
"The rugby will be 20-20 style and we are looking at 10 to 15-minutes games," said Peter Engledow, the RFU's Hertfordshire rugby development officer.
"This is a great way to bring back all the Herts players to the county and enjoy a super late afternoon and evening playing rugby and building friendships."
Organisers are hoping around 150 to 200 students take part on behalf of their clubs, and there will be scope for the county's smaller clubs to field combined teams if they are short of numbers on their own.
"The selectors of Herts' Under 20, U23 and senior sides will be there too, to spot some talent," said Engledow, "but most of all it is about playing with your mates and having a good time."
Food and drink will be on offer and Engledow is hopeful this will become an annual rugby festival for the county in support of the RFU's Play On campaign which aims to maintain and develop contact with rugby players in the 16 to 24 age group who may have moved away from home for work or further education.
Clubs are asked to confirm their entry and nominate a key person who will be in charge of getting their players together.
Contact Peter Engledow on peterengledow@rfu.com or 07764 960407.
