School Rugby Manager Update – October half term 2025

In my first half term as School Rugby Manager, I’ve been greatly encouraged by the passion and commitment shown by volunteers across our region. It’s been inspiring to meet so many people working together with a shared goal — to grow grassroots rugby within our state primary and secondary schools.

This half term has seen some fantastic initiatives take shape. Nine girls from Havant Academy had the incredible opportunity to play rugby on the pitch at Twickenham Stadium as part of the Continental Experience Day. Planning is already underway to build on this success by launching an after-school girls’ rugby club at the academy.

Across the region, 140 girls from 12 schools took part in touch rugby events hosted by Havant RFC, while two exciting new school-club partnerships have been established:

Miltoncross Academy with Portsmouth RFC

Bridgemary School with Gosport & Fareham RFC

In addition, ten local teachers have completed the RFU Secondary School Rugby Coaching Day at Cowplain School, helping to upskill and empower staff to deliver quality rugby sessions within their schools.

As we move towards Christmas, momentum continues to build. I’ll be working with PE leads from several local primary schools to deliver T1 taster sessions and distribute England Rugby equipment packs, helping more children access rugby for the first time. I’ll also be supporting Portsmouth RFC as they launch their first-ever T1 Megafest event for primary-aged pupils — an exciting new opportunity to celebrate the sport at grassroots level.

Following the tremendous success of last year’s KS3 Girls’ Development Festival — which saw over 300 girls from 15 schools take part — we’re delighted to invite schools to register for the 2025 Festival at Trojans RFC on Friday 14th November.

Looking further ahead, I’m excited to be collaborating with the Hampshire RFU executive team on plans for a county-wide T1 rugby tournament, scheduled for July 2026 — a key milestone in our long-term vision to grow participation and engagement in rugby across Hampshire.

Luke Worthington – School Rugby Manager (Havant, Gosport and Portsmouth)

 

Hampshire Clubs Invited to Complete the 2025/26 Development Support Survey

England Rugby (RFU), in partnership with Hampshire RFU, is inviting all clubs across the county to take part in the Hampshire Club Development Support Survey 2025/26.

The survey is designed to help identify the current priorities, challenges, and areas where clubs would most value support. Insights gathered will directly shape how both Hampshire RFU and the RFU Development Team plan and deliver tailored assistance for the 2025/26 season.

“This is an important opportunity for every club to share where they are now and what support would make the biggest difference for the season(s) ahead,” said Tim Dancer, Executive Director of Hampshire RFU. “By working together, we can ensure that the right resources and guidance are directed where they’re needed most.”

All Hampshire clubs are encouraged to complete the survey and to discuss their responses within their committees or wider volunteer teams before submission, to ensure a full and accurate reflection of club needs.

Soft deadline: Tuesday, 5 November 2025
Findings presented: HRFU Clubs Meeting – Monday, 10 November 2025

Complete the survey here: Hampshire Club Development Support 2025/26 Survey

For any questions about the survey or club development support, please contact Alex Roe, alexroe@rfu.com

World Cup winning Red Roses visit Hampshire rugby club

World Cup winning Red Roses players will be continuing their celebrations at Trojans Rugby Club in Hampshire as part of a national festival of the women’s game.

Following England clinching the World Cup with a convincing victory over Canada, the Eastleigh based club has been selected to host a visit by Abby Dow and Lucy Packer.

The event is part of the RugbyFest initiative, a nationwide celebration of rugby designed to inspire the next generation of players by building on the national team’s success.

With over 140 girls across four age groups and a further two senior women’s teams, Trojans is proud to be one of the largest and most inclusive female rugby sections in the region.

Girls from the club will be joining the England players for some craft activities, a mass warm up before taking part in a festival at the Stoneham Lane ground on Saturday, 4 October.

Chair Stefan Hargrave said:

“The Red Roses haven’t just inspired young players—they’ve inspired a nation and we can’t wait to host Abby and Lucy at our RugyFest this weekend.

“Many of our girls were among the crowds cheering them on through their World Cup winning campaign, so to have these players come to the club they play for will be beyond exciting for them.

“It will be a day to remember for our club and an inspiring experience for the next generation of Red Roses!”.

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