Rookie Rugby has its Bellmore-Merrick Central District debut

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“We have tried to keep the physical education curriculum fresh,” said Saul Lerner, the Central District’s director of health, physical education and athletics. “Every time you add something like this, it brings excitement –– the kids are excited about the new items in the curriculum. It is also an opportunity for us to bring kids from all three buildings together in a positive atmosphere so they can have fun.”

Lerner said he is considering proposing an interscholastic rugby program, but nothing is yet definite.

Rugby was an Olympic sport in the early 20th century, but was dropped from the Olympics shortly after the 1924 games. The U.S. has the most number of gold medals in rugby, with two, according to the International Olympic Committee.

Rugby will return to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where the U.S. will defend the gold medal it won in 1924. AIG will sponsor the men’s and women’s rugby teams at the games.

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