Sculthorpe backs tag tournament

Rugby League legend Paul Sculthorpe has given his backing to the Supporters Direct Tag Rugby League Challenge Cup, to be held on Sunday (29 November) at 1pm at the Soccer Village in Milnrow.

The former St Helens and GB great will be on hand to present trophies to all of the winning teams in the eight team TAG rugby festival, being organised in association with Rochdale Swarm, the supporters team for Hornets RL, working alongside Supporters Direct and the Hornets Club itself.

Sculthorpe said of the event: "Rugby league supporters have always been the best fans in the world and they deserve to have a say in the greatest game. Hopefully this event will help to raise the profile of Supporters Direct so they can expand on the great work they already do in football. I’m really looking forward to seeing the teams compete in what should be a fun day out for all."

Supporters Direct is the umbrella organisation for supporters’ trusts across the UK, aimed at raising the profile of the movement which covers a number of sports, including rugby league.

Laura Harrison, Rugby League Development Officer for Supporters Direct said: "We wanted to do something that was going to be a bit of fun for everyone but that would also bring the trusts together in a more informal setting and this seemed to be the perfect way to do that. TAG rugby is such a simple game and you don’t have to be a great player to get the benefit and enjoyment from it."

David Ramsbottom, Head Coach of the Rochdale Swarm, added: "We at the Swarm are proud to help with the organisation of this event, and we are over the moon a Rugby League Legend such as Paul Sculthorpe has chosen to be involved. It's great that the Swarm, Hornets and Supporters Direct can work in unison to bring fans of the game together for this fun event."