widen interest in the sport amongst youngsters on the Island.

It is hoped the appointment will lead to the setting up of a proper schools programme and, eventually, a youth league.

Former Police player Grant Tompkins, who was forced to retire from the game because of a recurring knee injury, has taken on the part-time post and will attempt to build on the work of ex-national coach Kieron Peacock, who introduced tag rugby to schools in Bermuda.

Among the stated objectives of the role are to: Promote and develop rugby at under-18 age level; Liaise with the Education Department for the promotion of varying aspects of the sport in schools; Liaise with established rugby clubs on the Island to promote youth rugby within them; and Organise training and practice sessions and competitions at various age levels.

Sponsorship for the scheme by DHL currently totals $5,000 a year but Tompkins is outlined to take responsibility for the management of $15,000 in the future.

Tompkins, who this weekend will travel to Trinidad for a week-long training seminar on youth rugby, was seen as the ideal candidate because of his Police role as schools liaison officer.

He will meet officials and coaches from the Caribbean and UK during the conference, hoping to pick their brains for ideas that could be applied to the development of the sport in Bermuda.