Revitalizing Rugby: RFU's Bold New School Game Plan

The Rugby Football Union is introducing T1 Rugby, a non-contact version, in schools to counter declining participation. Targeting 5,000 schools in four years, it aims to broaden appeal across different demographics, addressing concerns of exclusivity and injuries, while providing resources and school rugby managers for effective implementation.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is set to introduce a new non-contact variant of rugby in schools, as part of efforts to reverse a decline in the sport's popularity at the educational level. This initiative was announced on Monday.

Following a comprehensive review, RFU's plan addresses concerns about safety and the perceived difficulty of rugby, even in traditional private school strongholds. The review highlighted a vast untapped market in schools without a rugby tradition, especially among girls and diverse communities where football has seen significant growth.

In response, RFU is rolling out T1 Rugby, which combines elements of tag rugby with lineouts, scrums, and breakdowns. The goal is to engage 5,000 schools playing the game within four years, supplemented by equipment kits and educational resources. The RFU also plans to establish a network of 100 school rugby managers by 2027.

(With inputs from agencies.)