Schools

25 Jan 2023 | 4 min |

Schools

To help schools play rugby we have developed playing offers to suit the needs of your students and your type of school.

If you are a primary school currently offering or wanting to offer rugby we recommend T1 Rugby.

In secondary schools we have several playing offers to meet the needs of all students, staff and schools, including T1 rugby, XRugby and full contact. Full details of all our offers, along with additional supporting resources can be found in the drop down sections below. 

The Future of Schools Rugby in England Review

The Changing the Game: The Future of Schools Rugby in England Review was commissioned by the RFU and led by Sir Jon Coles, CEO of national schools group United Learning and 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 RFU has set out a plan for the future of schools’ rugby in England following the findings of the review, which you can read more about here.


 

    Primary schools

    If you are a primary school currently offering or wanting to offer rugby we recommend T1 Rugby which can be played using TAG belts or making a touch.

    Resources to support delivery of T1 Rugby, include lesson plans, referee guide sheets and schemes of work.

    If you’re running a festival within your school or with other schools – then please check out our MegaFest approach and supporting materials.
     

    Secondary schools

    In secondary schools we have several playing offers to meet the needs of all students, staff and schools.

    Rugby being delivered  Courses/eLearning
    T1 rugby

    England Rugby Primary Teachers course 

    3 hour face to face course designed to support those delivering rugby in curriculum or extra curriculum settings in primary schools.  

    The course supports the development of active-purposeful, enjoyable and safe non contact rugby environments for children. 

    XRugby

    Headcase 
    Secondary Schools Teacher course.

    This non-assessed course is designed for those teaching pupils starting out in contact and non-contact rugby. It will help teachers to progress from non-contact to contact safely, building confidence and competence to teach and referee the contact areas of the game.

     

    It is recommended that everyone teaching, coaching or refereeing contact rugby in a school setting has attended with course. 

     

    XRugby – eLearning 
    All Staff delivering XRugby rugby should have completed Headcase concussion module and either England Rugby First contact or equivalent.

    Full contact rugby  Headcase 
    England Rugby Coaching Award course. This face to face course includes XRugby content.
    All Staff delivering contact rugby should have completed both the Headcase concussion module and ERCA or equivalent.
    Refereeing full contact rugby  Headcase 
    Click here for free E-Learning 
    England Rugby Refereeing Award 

    The England Rugby Young Leaders Award is designed to be delivered by PE staff to students.  It can be delivered as a series of 1-hour lessons or as a full day. The resource is suitable for all students to participate in and is designed to enable all PE teachers, including non-rugby specialists, to deliver.

    Course slides

    Delivery Notes 

    Level 1 Leaders award certificate

    Player safety and welfare is vitally important for everyone involved with rugby union. Rugby Safe is the RFU’s overarching player safety and welfare programme, putting player welfare at the heart of the game. 

    Find out more about Rugby Safe.

    To help us keep you up to date and to best help support you we ask that schools and teachers register on our Game Management System. 

    You can find more information on the  https://help.rfu.com page.

    The England Rugby Football Schools Union (ERFSU) is the schools arm of the RFU with around 2,000 member schools, ranging from traditional rugby playing secondary schools to those new to rugby. Members become part of their local County Schools Union who provide many playing, competition and teacher development opportunities.

    Joining the Schools Union brings benefits like entrance into national competitions and the chance to purchase tickets for Twickenham international matches. 

    Visit www.englandrugby-schools.com for information on how to join.

    A club link is an agreement between a school and a local club to work together to develop the very best sport opportunities for young people. Our club link guide provides practical advice on developing a link and working together in the best interests of the player.

    In collaboration with Twinkl, the RFU have developed a range of teaching resources for primary school aged pupils. From reading comprehensions, to design your schools’ rugby shirt. 

    All the resources can be found and are free to download here.