MORE than 300 boys and girls will compete in the finals of the Kent Messenger Festival of Tag Rugby on Friday (June 27).

It is the outcome of months of mini festivals involving about 3,000 youngsters and 600 schools from across Kent.

The event, at Aylesford Rugby Club's ground near the Royal British Legion Village, starts at 12.30pm with a parade. Each of the 32 final teams will depict one of the Rugby World Cup nations.

This year's event, sponsored by Dutton Forshaw, Barretts and Sportsmatch as well as the Kent Messenger Group, is thought to be the largest tag rugby festival in the south east. Ron Green, senior editor of the KM, said: "The finals will unquestionably provide a super spectacle"

More than 1,000 players and supporters are expected to attend the finals. Tag rugby introduces junior school pupils, both boys and girls, to rugby by eliminating bodily contact but maintaining most other aspects.

Kent rugby development officer Matt Mitchell says it teaches players to catch, pass, look for space and develop evasive running. "Above all it is a lot of fun," he stressed.

The trophy presentations at Friday's event are expected to take place at about 5pm.

.