ActiveSG announced the launch of a new rugby programme for schools at East Spring Secondary School today.

Developed in collaboration with the SportCares Foundation and the Singapore Rugby Union (SRU), the pilot programme uses rugby as a vehicle to improve the students' social skills, including problem-solving and setting goals.

East Spring Secondary is the first to adopt the new enrichment programme, in which 14 of its students will participate in a weekly after-school rugby programme.

Teoh Teik Hoe, principal of East Spring Secondary, believes that the rugby programme will give students the opportunity to develop their character, in addition to staying active and healthy.

He said: "The rugby enrichment programme is a good sport education platform that supports student development in resilience and confidence."

This view was endorsed by Lim Teck Yin, CEO of Sport Singapore, who said: "The values students learn from rugby are not just restricted to playing the game. They also inspire students to perform their best in school and in life."