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.
9.30am
Conference Assembles
10.00am
The RFU and the Future of Prep School Rugby
with John Lawn, RFU Game Development Director
10.30am
10 year Review of Age Grade Rules: Analysing the Game to Inform Rule Change
with Martin MacTaggart, RFU Playing Pathways Manager
11.00am
Refreshment Break
11.15am
Regulation 15 Review Combining Age Grades: Update and IAPS
with Mark Saltmarsh, Huw Thomas & Perran Gill, RFU Player Pipeline Manager, Headmaster Terrington Hall and IAPS Sport, Headmaster Keble Prep, IAPS Sport
12.00pm
RFU Coach Education: New Standards for School Coaches
with Mike Hart, RFU Schools and Colleges Manager
12.30pm
Panel Forum: Questions and Feedback
with RFU and IAPS
1.00pm
Lunch
2.00pm
RFU Schools Leadership Project Updates
with Neil Rollings, Project Leader
2.30pm
Developing Essential Skills in Prep School Players
with Mark Hopley, Head of Academy, Northampton Saints
3.15pm
Conference Disperses
National Conference for Heads of Rugby in Prep Schools
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