Growing Rugby in Primary Schools Across Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant

As schools continue to prioritise physical literacy, wellbeing, and character development, rugby offers a powerful vehicle to support all three. Across Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant, there is a significant opportunity for senior leadership teams to embed rugby as a meaningful and sustainable part of school life. This is not about producing elite athletes; it is about developing confident, resilient, and respectful young people.

Below are four key themes to support growth in schools.

1. Interschool Festivals and Competitions

Regular festivals and competitions provide purpose and excitement for pupils while strengthening school identity. A well structured calendar of inclusive, development focused events ensures that rugby is accessible to all, not just the most able.

These festivals emphasise participation, teamwork, and enjoyment, aligning with broader school priorities around inclusion and engagement. They also create natural milestones for pupils and teachers, building momentum and sustained interest throughout the year. Already this academic year, over 400 boys and girls representing 40 local schools have participated in rugby events primarily hosted at Havant, Portsmouth and Trojans rugby clubs.

2. Training Staff to Deliver Rugby in Schools

One of the most common barriers to rugby delivery in primary schools is staff confidence. Investing in staff development is therefore critical.

Primary level training opportunities at no cost are available in your school, delivered by your local school rugby manager luke.worthington@tkat.org. England Rugby also provides a no cost primary school coaching qualification, with courses regularly run in our area. Typically, these CPD sessions are one to three hours and equip staff with the skills and confidence to deliver safe, engaging sessions. Importantly, this creates long term sustainability, with rugby becoming embedded within the PE curriculum rather than dependent on external provision. For example, following a 60 minute session delivered by Luke Worthington, Front Lawn Primary Academy has established a lunchtime rugby club run by their external PE providers for Years 5 and 6.

3. Rugby values as a vehicle to enhance behaviours

For rugby to thrive, it must align with whole school priorities. The core values of rugby are summarised as TREDS (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship) and map directly onto the personal development and behaviour frameworks that schools are already striving to deliver.

By positioning rugby as a tool for character education, SLTs (senior leadership teams) can confidently support its inclusion. It becomes more than a sport; it becomes a vehicle for developing leadership, resilience, and positive behaviour across the school.

4. Collaboration with SGOs and Local Rugby Clubs

Sustainable provision is built on strong partnerships. School Games Organisers and local rugby clubs play a vital role in supporting schools with expertise, resources, and pathways.

Collaboration can unlock access to qualified coaches and delivery support, clear transition routes from school to community sport, shared facilities and joint events, and increased opportunities for pupils beyond the school environment. This joined up approach ensures continuity and strengthens the local sporting ecosystem.

Suggested Next Steps for Schools:

• Review your current PE and sport offer to identify where rugby can complement existing provision.
• Engage with your local SGO to explore upcoming festivals, competitions, and training opportunities.
• Identify school staff champions who can lead rugby within schools and support their development.
• Connect with local rugby clubs to establish partnerships and enrichment opportunities.
• Pilot a school rugby festival trip to build initial momentum and gather pupil voice.

Rugby has the potential to make a lasting impact on pupils, not just physically but socially and emotionally. With the right structures and partnerships in place, schools across Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant can create inclusive, values driven rugby experiences that benefit every child.