RFU and ICE Education Launch National Programme to Empower School Rugby Leaders

The RFU has announced a new partnership with ICE Education to roll out a nationwide support programme aimed at strengthening rugby in schools across England. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the RFU’s ongoing mission to grow the game within the education sector, following recommendations from last year’s independent Schools’ Rugby Review.

The initiative is designed to support Headteachers, Governors, and Directors of Sport in leading and advocating for rugby with greater confidence. The aim is to ensure rugby remains a core part of school life in both maintained and independent schools, while also expanding access and engagement across new institutions.

Over the next two years, the programme will aim to reach 1,000 rugby-playing schools. At its heart, the initiative is about equipping school leaders with the tools to demonstrate how rugby can contribute to the personal and social development of students and help foster a positive school culture.

The RFU and ICE Education will deliver a comprehensive suite of resources, including an RFU-accredited training course, webinars, guidance for school leadership, and a new professional association for school rugby leaders. This will be supported by a growing network of regional school rugby ambassadors already embedded in the system.

Alongside this leadership focus, the RFU is also committed to enhancing the quality and reach of school rugby coaching. By 2027, the partnership aims to support over 1,000 school coaches and increase the number of schools offering girls’ rugby to at least 350.

The initiative builds on the momentum of T1 Rugby, a programme that has already engaged over 31,000 young people across 900 schools. With 40 School Rugby Managers in place and plans to appoint 60 more, the RFU aims to introduce T1 Rugby into 1,800 schools by the end of 2025, with a long-term target of 5,000 schools by 2028.

Steve Grainger, Executive Director of Rugby Development at the RFU, emphasized the importance of closer ties between schools and the governing body:

“We want rugby-playing schools to feel closer to, and better supported by, the RFU. This initiative ensures that Heads, Governors and Coaches can deliver rugby in a way that enriches school life and prepares pupils for lifelong involvement in the sport.”

Neil Rollings, Director at ICE Education, echoed the sentiment, noting the evolving educational environment:

“The educational landscape is shifting. There are new pressures on schools generally, and on rugby specifically. This project acknowledges these and provides a platform for heads and parents to feel confident in maintaining rugby in schools and clearly articulating its benefits. The game, at its best, contributes to a positive school culture, and this initiative will provide practical guidance to make that a reality.”

With the foundations laid and a clear roadmap in place, this partnership represents a major step forward in the RFU’s efforts to secure rugby’s role in schools for generations to come.

Photo by Sergey Omelchenko on Unsplash