Paul O'Connell was down at the National Ploughing Championships this week to promote his new initiative with Aldi, which encourages younger children to play tag rugby in primary schools. Having had no opportunity to play rugby himself at that age in school he really wanted to get involved: "It's about getting touch rugby programs in primary schools in Ireland" he said.
"If teachers or coaches or parents want to set one up, the IRFU will send a community officer to the school and they'll train up the teachers. It's just touch rugby, so it's easy coaching, it's just good fun and gets the kids playing a bit of rugby and throwing a ball around."
Obesity problem
This initiative comes at a time where Ireland are set to become the fattest nation in Europe by 2030. Amidst this obesity crisis, we asked Paul how Ireland can tackle the growing obesity problem?
"I think healthy eating is really important" he explained.
"A balanced diet. You need to have your treats but you want to eat well as well, and eat healthy. But to be active as well. Play sports, whatever is it. Whether it's rugby, soccer, hurling, football, swimming."
"Whatever it is, be active and play!" he added.
Listen to Paul O'Connell's interview with RTÉ LifeStyle here, at #Ploughing16:
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For more coverage of the National Ploughing Championships, make sure to check RTÉ LifeStyle for live streaming and more life style articles.
