Hitz is a progressive high profile programme based in the heart of Southwark and Lambeth.

The project targets young people at risk of exclusion and anti-social behaviour. Introducing them to tag, touch and contact rugby. In conjunction with personal development sessions, Hitz provides participants with pathways back into education, volunteering, training and apprenticeships.

Hitz utilises rugby’s unique ethos of fairplay, discipline, hard work, team work and friendship to promote a set of values that can be carried forward into day-to-day life. London Irish, it's players and brand are one of the three Premiership teams currently involved in the project and along with Premiership Rugby, Wooden Spoon, Active Communities Network, The RFF, The RFU and with valuable support from the Metropolitan Police the project looks set to expand nationally.

Now into its second year of involvement with the project, London Irish have delivered community rugby sessions in Southwark and Croydon to over 150 young people on a weekly basis. They have also provided fantastic opportunities and experiences to these young people including playing on the pitch at Twickenham, at the London Double Header.

Hitz also provides competitive experiences for its participants. A select team of the most committed players from across the project’s six boroughs represented Hitz in a beach rugby tournament in 2010 and 2011. The London Irish Hitz team also play inter-borough games against Harlequins Hitz and Saracens Hitz on a quarterly basis with many of the players then feeding into local rugby clubs.

If you know a young person or group that would like to come along to Hitz session in Southwark, Croydon or Lambeth or you would like to volunteer or coach on the project contact Dave Christie on +44 (0) 7889 601 523 or dave.christie@london-irish.com or visit www.hitzrugby.com for more information and session details.