Rugby-mad youngsters in Oxfordshire are gearing up for a world record attempt.

Every primary school in the county has been invited to the Chairman’s Cup competition at Horspath sports ground, Oxford on Wednesday, May 20 (2-4pm) in a bid to secure a place in the Guinness Book Of Records for the biggest tag rugby tournament.

Organisers are hoping enough youngsters will turn out to beat the record held by the Cheltenham Spa School Sport Partnership, which attracted 48 teams with 487 players to its tournament at Cheltenham’s Newlands Park on March 19 last year.

Schools will bring teams of up to ten players, made up of year 5 and 6 boys and girls who will take part in one of three cup competitions on the day.

Competition manager Simon West said: “The chance to be in the Guinness Book of World Records is exciting for children and parents alike.

“Just to be part of such a big event will give children a huge buzz and something they will remember for a long time.”

Oxfordshire rugby development officer Jason Bowers added: “The Oxfordshire event, which has been running for ten years has continued to develop and is now a great opportunity for the young rugby players in the county to get together for one big day of rugby.

“This is a showcase of the huge investment into rugby in schools and community time and hopefully will create a greater number of young players enjoying both rugby in school and in clubs.”

The event is being jointly organised by Oxfordshire Competition Managers, the Rugby Football Union and South Oxfordshire and Oxford and Thame School Sports Partnerships.