World School Sevens

The World School Sevens is an under 18s rugby 7s event which is held in Auckland each year, with teams traveling there from all over the world. This year's competition was held on the 17th and 18th of December 2022, with 45 rugby teams from 8 different countries taking part. The Urdd 7s team traveled to the tournament for the first time to represent the organisation and Wales, and was the first team ever to compete from the UK.

In 2022 the Urdd launched the #FelMerch campaign, to empower women in sports, and break down the barriers that prevent women from participating in sports. This trip was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to compete on an international stage against the best 7s teams in the world.

Learning about Māori culture and history

As well as the opportunity to challenge 7s teams, the Urdd team had the opportunity to learn about Māori culture and history, visiting Whakaata Māori (Māori TV) and Te Kaha o Te Rangatahi (indigenous youth group) in the Auckland area.

Following the communication between the Urdd and Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Maori (Māori language commission), the team had the opportunity to share the language and culture of Wales with people in New Zealand, but also learn about the language (te reo Māori) and the culture of the Māori. Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Maori is leading the government’s Māori language strategy, in order to create conditions for te reo to thrive and promote the language. Go here to learn more about their work.

Following the success of the trip, the Urdd hopes to develop the relationship between the Urdd, Wales and the Māori communities of New Zealand.

Thank you to Taith, Welsh Government, for funding this trip and making these wonderful experiences possible.