Schools Rugby
Growing the game across Hampshire’s schools.
Hampshire RFU supports schools across the county to introduce, develop and sustain rugby.
Following the merger of Hampshire Schools RFU into Hampshire RFU in 2026, schools rugby is now coordinated through one county organisation. This brings together schools, colleges, clubs, School Games Organisers and other partners to create clearer opportunities for young people to play rugby and remain involved in the game.
Our work includes:
- Supporting schools to introduce and develop rugby.
- Coordinating county schools competitions and festivals.
- Helping teachers and school staff access appropriate support and resources.
- Developing stronger links between schools and community rugby clubs.
- Creating inclusive opportunities for boys and girls.
- Connecting school rugby with Hampshire’s wider player and representative pathways.
Read more about the merger and our plans for schools rugby.
Schools Rugby Managers
Hampshire’s Schools Rugby Managers work directly with schools and local partners to establish sustainable rugby activity. Their role is not simply to deliver sessions: they help schools build the confidence, skills and connections needed to continue providing rugby themselves.
South East Hampshire: Havant, Portsmouth and Gosport
Luke Worthington is Hampshire’s Schools Rugby Manager for Havant, Portsmouth and Gosport.
This role is co-funded by the RFU and TKAT, one of the UK’s largest multi-academy trusts with 45 schools across the South of England. Find out more about TKAT here.
During the first year of the programme, Luke helped engage 15 primary schools and three secondary schools in rugby. His priorities for the 2026–27 academic year are to:
- Maintain and strengthen rugby in those 18 schools.
- Engage a further 15 primary schools.
- Establish rugby activity in 3 additional secondary schools.
- Support teachers and young leaders through training and development.
- Create links between participating schools and local rugby clubs.
- Work alongside School Games Organisers and other local partners.
- Develop festivals and other opportunities for pupils to play.
Schools in Havant, Portsmouth or Gosport that would like support can contact:
Luke Worthington
Schools Rugby Manager – South East Hampshire
luke.worthington@tkat.org
North Hampshire: Basingstoke and the surrounding area
Working in partnership with Queen Mary’s College, Hampshire RFU has recruited Adam Gillings as Schools Rugby Manager for Basingstoke and North Hampshire.
Alongside developing rugby locally in his SRM role, Adam will have a dedicated county-wide schools rugby remit. This will include:
- Coordinating Hampshire schools competitions and festivals.
- Supporting communication with schools across the county.
- Growing and retaining Hampshire schools rugby membership.
- Strengthening connections between schools, clubs and representative rugby.
- Developing relationships with School Games Organisers and education partners.
- Sharing success stories, resources and good practice.
Adam Gillings
Schools Rugby Manager – Basingstoke Area
adam.gillings@QMC.AC.UK
Schools Competitions and Festivals
For National Schools Competitions, please ensure your school is a member of England Rugby Schools – sign up is easy and free: Become a Member — England Rugby Schools
Hampshire RFU also coordinates a developing programme of competitive and participation opportunities for schools.
These include:
- KS2 Touch Rugby festival.
- KS3 girls’ development festival.
- KS3 boys’ development events.
- Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 boys’ competitions.
- KS4 girls’ rugby.
- Under-18 boys’ and girls’ competitions.
- Schools Sevens.
Click here for the schools competitions and events.
The programme is being reviewed following the merger to ensure that events are accessible, appropriately scheduled and connected to wider school and club rugby opportunities.
Details, entry arrangements and dates for the 2026–27 programme will be published here as they are confirmed.
Schools can use the form at the bottom below register an interest in competitions and festivals.
England Rugby – Schools Rugby Resources
England Rugby provides a range of resources, guidance and support to help schools introduce, develop and deliver rugby.
Whether you are new to rugby or looking to grow your existing provision, the RFU’s dedicated schools pages offer useful information to help teachers and school staff provide safe, inclusive and enjoyable rugby experiences for young people.
Explore England Rugby’s Schools Resources →
Introducing Rugby Through T1 Rugby
T1 Rugby is a non-contact form of the game that enables pupils to experience rugby’s movement, skills, teamwork and decision-making in an accessible environment.
It can be particularly helpful for:
- Schools introducing rugby for the first time.
- Primary and early secondary pupils.
- Engaging girls and other groups currently under-represented in rugby.
- Building confidence before pupils choose whether to progress into contact rugby.
- Supporting curriculum, extracurricular and festival activity.
Schools interested in accessing support or resources should contact the relevant Schools Rugby Manager.
Our Priorities for 2026–27
Following the merger, Hampshire RFU is working to:
- Complete a county-wide review of schools competitions and festivals.
- Establish one reliable source of schools rugby information.
- Improve communication with schools, teachers and colleges.
- Expand the Schools Rugby Manager programme.
- Build stronger relationships with School Games Organisers.
- Connect schools more effectively with community clubs.
- Develop appropriate pathways into representative rugby.
- Better understand and report participation and impact.
- Celebrate schools, staff and young people contributing to rugby.
Updates will be added to this page throughout the season.
Contact Us
General schools rugby, competitions and membership
Havant, Portsmouth and Gosport
Luke Worthington
Schools Rugby Manager – South East Hampshire
luke.worthington@tkat.org
North Hampshire and Basingstoke
Recruitment is currently underway. In the meantime, please contact admin@hampshirerfu.com.
