Rugby League has now overtaken Rugby Union as the biggest code of schools rugby played in the Dacorum Borough area thanks to huge efforts of the Hemel Stags’ coaching staff.

The figures, comparing the number of fixtures played and schools’ involvement, are a huge boost to the hardworking team at the Stags and show that Hemel Hempstead has now re-established itself as a thriving junior Rugby League area.

Callum Irving, Hemel Stags’ Community Sports Coach, admits to have been amazed by the response he has witnessed.

Irving said: “Schools were targeted that had played Rugby League in the past but we did not actively target Rugby Union schools as we felt League would have been seen as an extra rather than something they would buy into completely.

“A very comprehensive coaching programme was set up to ensure that the sport had a sound relationship between the club and the schools.

“Gradually the relationships began to build and culminated in several meetings where fixtures were discussed as well as methods of building on the sports’ success in the town.

“And the results have been fantastic. The club is now a valued member of the schools’ sport partnership and schools now take up coaching time with the Stags as they see our programme as a sustainable product.”

Irving has no doubts about what he believes is the reason behind this success.

“The main factor was the coaching programme delivered in secondary schools,” he says.

“The programme was full, free to the schools and tried to accommodate as many of the schools’ requests as possible. There were absolutely no let-downs or missed sessions.”

As a result, the target figure for the number of schools entering this year’s Powergen Champion Schools Rugby League Tournament was surpassed by 75 per cent while the Stags’ staff learnt a number of important lessons.

Irving explained: “We’ve learned that reliability is the most important aspect of our relationships with schools. Regular fixtures are also hugely important to encourage participation across all abilities and sustainability is another factor.

“Staff participation is very important to us – we are not providing a minding service and staff have to be keen to be involved. As a result, staff at all schools will attend Rugby League coaching courses in the imminent future.”

Ed Coy, a teacher at Astley Cooper School, has also been impressed by the progress made in involving local children in Rugby League.

“The whole profile of Rugby League has altered in the area,” said Coy. “Many students have chosen to take the route outlined to them by Callum Irving, where they represent their school, then a cluster club and finally Hemel Hempstead Stags.

“Having a strong, stable link between community coaches and schools is the key to improving participation within the sport.”

Well done Hemel, see you in NL2 in a couple of years time??