Revolutionizing Rugby in Schools: A New Era for the Sport
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is on a mission to transform the sport in schools, addressing concerns about injury and accessibility that have led to a decline in participation. A comprehensive review has identified a vast untapped market in schools without a traditional rugby background, particularly among girls and communities with limited opportunities.
T1 Rugby: A Game-Changer for Schools
In response to the review’s findings, the RFU has introduced T1 Rugby, a non-contact version of the game that combines elements of tag rugby with lineouts, scrums, kicking, and breakdowns. Played with seven-a-side teams on half-sized pitches, T1 Rugby is designed to be easy to learn and teach, even for staff with no prior rugby experience.
Breaking Down Barriers
The RFU aims to have 5,000 schools playing T1 Rugby within the next four years, supported by “flatpacks” containing all the necessary equipment and resources. The organization is also establishing a national network of 100 school rugby managers by 2027, with 40 already in place working with local schools.
Challenging Perceptions and Promoting Diversity
The review highlighted a lingering perception that rugby is a sport for “posh white boys.” However, the RFU is committed to changing this narrative and making the sport more inclusive. With the introduction of T1 Rugby, the organization hopes to attract a more diverse range of participants, including girls and students from state schools.
A Moment for Change
According to Jon Coles, who led the review, “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.” By making rugby more accessible and appealing, the RFU aims to unlock the sport’s enormous potential for growth and create a more inclusive and diverse rugby community.
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