National Conference for Heads of Rugby in Prep Schools

Tuesday 13 October at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham

National Conference for Heads of Rugby in Prep Schools - 13 October 2026
Dates & Venues

    Welcome to the UK’s biggest meeting of Heads of Rugby in Prep Schools. This is presented in association with RFU, which enables it to be held at the national stadium. This is an annual opportunity to understand and influence initiatives and developments which will impact the game in the 9-13 age range. Things are changing rapidly in age grade Rugby, and it can be difficult to keep on top of best practice and compliance. Conference content will focus on this. It will explain the requirements of, and recommendations for, Rugby-playing prep schools.

    It is ten years since New Rules of Play fundamentally changed the character of prep school Rugby. Now known as Age Grade Rules, these are currently being reviewed, alongside Regulation 15, which governs the circumstances in which year groups can be combined.  The conference offers the opportunity to understand these processes, and to provide feedback. The RFU is also introducing new training requirements for school coaches, through an online platform, which will be available for the 2026/7 season. Details of what schools must, might and may do will be presented.

    Supported by RFU and IAPS, this is the most significant annual event for the leaders of the prep school game. It also enables delegates to return to their schools confident that their programmes are in line with national requirements and recommendations.

    Programme
    9.30am

    Conference Assembles. Refreshments

    10.00am
    The RFU and the Future of Prep School Rugby
    John Lawn
    RFU Game Development Director
    10.30am
    10 year Review of Age Grade Rules: Analysing the Game to Inform Rule Change
    Martin MacTaggart 
    RFU Playing Pathways Manager
    11.00am 

    Refreshment Break

    11.15am
    Regulation 15 Review
    Combining Age Grades: Update and IAPS Input 
    Mark Saltmarsh
    RFU Player Pipeline Manager
    Huw Thomas
    Headmaster Terrington Hall, IAPS Sport Committee Rugby Representative
    Perran Gill
    Headmaster Keble Prep, IAPS Sport Committee Rugby Representative
    12.00pm
    RFU Coach Education: New Standards for School Coaches 
    Mike Hart
    RFU Schools and Colleges Manager
    • Introducing the new England Rugby Learning platform
    • Recommended and Required Training for Schools
    12.30pm
    Panel Forum: Questions and Feedback
    RFU and IAPS
    1.00pm

    Lunch

    1.45pm
    Rosslyn Park Sevens
    Plans for Prep School Events and Feedback Opportunity
    Rosslyn Park National Schools’ Sevens
    2.00pm
    RFU Schools Leadership Project Updates 
    Neil Rollings
    Project Leader 
    • Launch of Association of Rugby Leaders in Schools RFU 
    • Kitemark for School Rugby 
    • RFU Guidance for Heads and Heads of Rugby
    2.30pm
    Developing Essential Skills in Prep School Players
    Mark Hopley
    Head of Academy, Northampton Saints
    3.15pm

    Conference Disperses

    Booking form
    In association with
    Prices

    Per delegate £99

    All prices exclude VAT

    Don’t forget schools can now reclaim the VAT on all our courses

    Price includes catering and resources. In the event of you needing to cancel a place, please note we require fourteen days' notice.

    Updated 25 June 2026

    Categories Rugby