The RFU National Youth Council (NYC) is a group of 13 young leaders, aged 18-25, from across England. Serving as a national consultative body for the RFU, the NYC ensures that youth perspectives are embedded in the development and future of rugby. Members participate in RFU sub-committees, contribute valuable insights, and play key roles in designing and implementing projects that drive the game forward. By providing a youth-led perspective, the NYC influences decision-making and fosters a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to the sport's growth at all levels.
What do members do?
- Actively participate on RFU sub-committees and in working groups
- Attend at least one RFU council meeting per season
- Identify specific projects to develop and deliver that support the development of the game
- Collate and produce an annual report, with the opportunity to present to the RFU Council
- Act as an ambassador for the sport and promote the core values throughout the game
- Meet six times a year, with a mixture of virtual and face-to-face meetings
Who are the current members?
Krishna Lall - Co-Chair
Inclusion & Diversity RFU Working Group
Location: Surrey
I have been playing rugby for 15 years. I have played for several clubs and currently play for Trinity RFC. I have enjoyed coaching and have volunteered to coach younger students at school, and completed my Level 2 RFU coaching award in 2018. I enjoy all aspects of playing and volunteering in rugby, with a particular interest in increasing diversity and making the game more accessible to underrepresented groups.
Benjamin Furrer - Co-Chair
Rugby Growth RFU Sub Committee
Location: Hertfordshire
I have played rugby since I was 12 and have represented Hertfordshire and Saracens academy. I am currently playing for Bishop’s Stortford second team. I have volunteered at schools and in the community, both as a coach and referee. This year, I am coaching the Hertfordshire Women’s team during their County Championship campaign.
William Disbrey - Vice Chair
Player Development RFU Sub Committee
Location: Kent
I started playing community rugby at the age of five for my local club, Tonbridge Juddians RFC. I have continued to play at TJs through to Academy and now occasionally for the 3rd team. I am interested in looking at models for a community game that can support young players to get involved in playing safe competitive and social rugby.
Jessica Wright - Vice Chair
Age Grade Governance RFU Sub Committee
Location: Eastern Counties
I’m 23 and come from Suffolk. I am a diagnostic radiographer and have played rugby for eight years representing Eastern Counties. Alongside this, I have coached the Eastern Counties youth girls' rugby programme for the last four years.
Freya Smith
Club & CB Development RFU Sub Committee
Location: Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire
My rugby journey started at Stamford RFC, where until recently I played for the women's side and coached the minis. I am now studying Sports Rehabilitation at the University of Manchester and want to continue to be active in rugby, both as a player and volunteer. I have a strong passion for the game and wish to ensure everyone gets early exposure to rugby to help it grow.
Harry Isaacs
Referees RFU (CB)
Location: South Yorkshire Referees Society
I am a referee based in South Yorkshire. In September, I moved to Sheffield for university and have just finished my first season refereeing, having previously played for nine years. I am really looking forward to working to help grow the game, particularly helping to recruit, support and develop young match officials.
Matt Arrowsmith
Laws RFU Group
Location: Durham Referees Society
I have recently completed a history degree at Durham University where the most enjoyable aspect of my time there was my involvement with rugby. I was heavily involved with the running of the college rugby system. These have given me valuable skills which I cannot wait to put into use while on the NYC.
Paddy Burnett
Game Development RFU Sub Committee
Location: Sussex
I've always loved rugby ever since I first tried it at secondary school. I played for almost ten years and have now made the shift to coaching. I am currently the backs and strength and conditioning coach at my local senior team. I am currently completing a master's degree in Nutrition, and aspire to work within elite sports as a performance nutritionist. I am really excited to be part of a collaborative team working to make positive change within the sport.
Evie Spilman
Location: Lancashire
I discovered my passion for rugby at the University of Manchester. In my final year, I captained the University's second team and was involved with the running of the club as a committee member. I now work in the University of Manchester Sports Department as a Rugby Development Intern. I support and facilitate recreational and development playing opportunities for all students as well as working with performance teams. Because of my own experience, I am especially passionate about the growth of the women and girls' game.
Josh Jones
Location: Lancashire
I have a deep passion for rugby, both on and off the field. I play for Preston Grasshoppers in the National League 2 North and also run my own company in Lancashire, called Tryit Rugby. The company aims to recruit players and also fields a sevens team that competes on the elite circuit. My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how our governing body operates, contribute to the growth of the sport and progress within the National Youth Council.
Abi Sweetland
Location: North Midlands/Somerset
I have been involved in rugby since the age of 12, coaching various age groups across the mini's, junior's and girls' sections. I then moved to Cardiff Met studying Sport & PE and play rugby. Currently, I volunteer with a CB assisting with social media.
Fynlee Hateley
Location: Leicestershire
I am a coach at Loughborough University, having previously been part of a rugby programme at Solihull School. Throughout my years involved with rugby, I have always coached to aid the development of new and upcoming players, whilst also helping to better and preserve the game for the future. For me, being part of the NYC is an opportunity to have a role in the development of the game for future generations. I have always been interested in how we develop competitions to give further opportunities to players to develop key skills.
Want to get involved?
Applications are now closed.
If you are interested in finding out more about the National Youth Council please e-mail volunteers@rfu.com or if you would like to be notified when applications go live (normally around March each year) please complete this expression of interest form.
