The RFU have released a statement, in which they assess the current state of rugby in schools across England. The Governing body expressed the need for a change, with the plans outlined on how rugby will grow across schools nationwide
The full statement released by the RFU can be read in full below:
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has set out a plan for the future of schools’ rugby in England following the findings of an independently chaired review.
The review being published today (Monday, October 21st), which was commissioned by the RFU and led by Sir Jon Coles, CEO of national schools group United Learning consulted widely across the sport, focusing both on schools with an established rugby culture and those looking to engage with the sport for the first time.
The review found evidence of decline in a number of schools with strong rugby traditions – driven by concern about injury and a widespread view amongst schools not playing rugby that it is a difficult game to introduce.
Rugby, however, does continue to have a healthy presence in schools – with the 664 schools taking part in the Continental Tyres Schools Cup continuing to highlight the strength of the schools’ game. The 2024 season showed that the standard of schools rugby is as high as ever, with a mix of state and private schools contesting 8 exciting finals.
The RFU also has taken rugby to new school audiences, through tournaments such as Touch To Twickenham, which saw almost 3,000 young players from 250 schools and colleges throughout England enjoying the competition this season, 60% of whom were playing rugby for the first time and with almost half of all those competing being female players.
The review also presented clear evidence of a very large untapped market in schools which don’t have a tradition of playing rugby; amongst girls (where the growth in the women’s and girls’ game is not yet reflected in schools); and in communities where there have historically been few opportunities to play.
Following the recommendations of the review, the RFU has begun the rollout of T1 Rugby, the first non-contact form of the game that reflects the characteristics of rugby union, including lineouts, scrums, kicking and a breakdown, in schools across the country with a target of 5000 schools playing T1 Rugby within the next 4 years.
The introduction of T1 Rugby into schools will be supported by T1 Rugby ‘flatpacks’ provided by the RFU containing all the equipment needed to play, as well as a range of resources for educators, including 6-week lesson plans and school specific support produced in consultation with teachers themselves.
Off the pitch, the RFU is investing in a national network of 100 school rugby managers by 2027, with 40 already in place this season and working with schools across the country. These managers work with a cluster of local schools to get rugby embedded into the physical activity offering as well as linking students to local rugby clubs.
Additionally, the RFU are enhancing the interaction with leaders of schools through an extended partnership, addressing the challenges that changes in school leadership can have.
Sir Jon Coles said:
“This is a moment for change. The RFU must now take bold steps to make sure that schools with a strong rugby tradition want to play rugby and other schools want to join in.
“Our proposals for the RFU to codify nationally three formats with clear competitive structures, are designed to make sure that established schools feel able to keep rugby firmly on their timetable for all pupils. The Framework for full contact rugby for U15 upwards will give schools a clear way to manage risk and responds to the evidence that until this age group, injury risk is not significantly higher than in other sports.
“There is enormous potential for the growth of a game which is now played and loved by players of both sexes, all skin colours, all economic backgrounds and all shapes and sizes – but historically hasn’t reached this whole population. Its unique qualities as a team game appeal to many young people who are introduced to it for the first time – and many schools can testify to its beneficial impact on young people and on behaviour and culture in a school.
“This is a critical time to take action and make it as easy and appealing as possible for schools to add rugby to their offering.”
The RFU’s Executive Director of Rugby Development, Steve Grainger said:
“We would like to thank Sir Jon Coles for leading this review which provides great insight and sets out some exciting opportunities to enable rugby in schools to flourish.
“Building on the clear recommendations of the review we are committed to developing more and better resources and training for schools across the country which will be key in engaging young people and helping them to access our great game”
