The landscape of both schools and Rugby are changing rapidly. An estimated 100,000 boys and a growing number of girls are playing the game in schools, making it one of the biggest participation sports in the sector. The issues faced by Heads of Rugby in maintaining this playing population, and ensuring standards of coaching and competition within a safe and inclusive framework, continue to present challenges. This annual conference is supported by RFU, enabling it to be held at the national stadium: it is the UK’s largest gathering of Rugby leaders in schools.
Much is happening at a national level, and schools have never had a better opportunity to influence this. A Review of Regulation 15 is ongoing, which will shape the future of combining age grades, and also of the sevens season. 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.
This is the UK’s most significant annual event for the leaders of the school game. It will enable delegates to return to their schools confident that their programmes are in line with national requirements and recommendations.