RFU Launches Non-Contact Rugby in Schools
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is rolling out a new, non-contact version of rugby to schools in England, aiming to boost participation and tackle the sport’s declining presence among younger players.
The decision comes in response to an independent review led by Sir Jon Coles, CEO of United Learning, which highlighted concerns over safety and the perception that rugby is difficult to introduce in schools without a strong rugby tradition.
One of the major findings of the review was the existence of a "very large untapped market" in schools that do not traditionally offer rugby, particularly among girls and in communities that have historically had fewer opportunities to play. This is a key focus for the RFU, which hopes their new version of rugby will inspire a new generation of players across diverse backgrounds.
What is the new version of rugby?
The new version, called T1 Rugby, will be introduced in 5,000 schools over the next four years. Unlike traditional rugby, T1 Rugby is a non-contact game but still features key elements like lineouts, scrums, and kicking. It’s played on a half-sized pitch with seven-a-side teams, making it more accessible for schools that may not have the facilities or experience to support the full-contact version of the game.
To support the rollout, the RFU is introducing a national network of 100 school rugby managers by 2027, with 40 already in place. These managers will work closely with local schools to embed rugby into their sports curriculum, providing resources and training even to schools with no previous rugby experience.
Concerns about injuries have driven some schools away from rugby, but the review also recommended keeping full-contact rugby available for students aged 15 and above. This, according to Coles, will help schools manage risk while still allowing students to enjoy the traditional form of the game.
Jon Coles emphasised the importance of making rugby more inclusive and appealing.
“This is a moment for change," he said, adding that the RFU must act boldly to ensure both schools with a rugby history and those new to the sport feel encouraged to participate.
The review also pointed out that rugby in England has been dominated by private schools, but there’s enormous potential for growth in state schools if the game becomes more accessible.
The RFU’s Executive Director of Rugby Development, Steve Grainger, stressed that rugby’s future depends on adapting to new realities.
“We need to reboot and rewire rugby at the heart of schools,” he said, saying that non-contact formats like T1 Rugby are key to engaging young people who might not have encountered the sport before.
Ultimately, the RFU hopes this new approach will not only revitalize rugby in schools but also ensure that it reaches a broader audience, bringing new players into the sport from all walks of life.
