Hampshire RFU and Hampshire Schools Rugby Unite to Shape the Future of the Game

A new chapter for schools rugby in Hampshire has begun.

Hampshire Rugby Football Union is delighted to announce that Hampshire Schools Rugby Football Union (HSRFU) has formally merged into Hampshire RFU, following unanimous support from HSRFU members and confirmation from England Schools Rugby.

The merger creates a single organisation to lead and support schools rugby across the county, strengthening links between schools, clubs and the wider game while creating a more sustainable future for rugby in Hampshire.

Hampshire is the first Constituent Body in England to complete this type of merger, with a number of other counties now exploring similar approaches. It is another example of Hampshire leading the way in finding practical solutions that strengthen the game for future generations.

For many years, Hampshire Schools RFU has been driven by the commitment of dedicated volunteers. Their work has ensured that schools competitions, festivals and representative opportunities have continued despite increasing pressures on schools, changing educational priorities and limited volunteer capacity. Hampshire RFU would like to express its sincere thanks to everyone involved with HSRFU, both past and present, for their commitment to young people and schools rugby across the county.

The merger is not simply about bringing two organisations together. It is about creating a stronger platform from which schools rugby can grow.

By working as one organisation, Hampshire RFU will be able to provide clearer strategic leadership, improve communication across schools and clubs, develop stronger player pathways and make better use of resources. Schools rugby will also benefit from greater alignment with Hampshire RFU’s Strategy 2025–2028, ensuring that young people remain at the heart of the county’s ambitions.

The move comes at an important time for education and community sport. As schools adapt to changes in PE and school sport funding, alongside the evolving RFU regional structure, Hampshire is well placed to work collaboratively with schools, teachers, School Games Organisers and clubs to create new opportunities for participation.

Investing in the Future

A key part of the merger is a new investment in schools rugby delivery.

Working in partnership with Queen Mary’s College, Basingstoke, Hampshire RFU will be supporting the appointment of a Schools Rugby Manager (North Hampshire). The role has been expanded to include a dedicated county-wide remit, funded by Hampshire RFU, to support schools rugby across the whole county.

Alongside local delivery in North Hampshire, the role will provide leadership for Hampshire-wide schools rugby by:

• Coordinating schools festivals and competitions across the county.
• Supporting the growth and retention of Hampshire Schools Rugby membership.
• Developing stronger links between schools, clubs and Hampshire representative rugby.
• Building partnerships with schools, School Games Organisers and education providers.
• Promoting schools rugby through communications, case studies and sharing good practice.

The post will be hosted by Queen Mary’s College and is a 2.5-day per week position with flexible working arrangements. Recruitment will open shortly, with further details and the full job description to be published in the coming weeks.

Building on Strong Foundations

The merger also enables Hampshire RFU to build upon successful initiatives already delivered through Hampshire Schools RFU, including the popular KS3 Boys Cup, U18 Cup (boys and girls) and Sevens alongside KS2 Touch Rugby Festival and KS3 Girls Rugby Festival.

These programmes have demonstrated the appetite for schools rugby across the county and provide an excellent foundation from which to expand participation, create new playing opportunities and strengthen connections between schools and community clubs.

Looking ahead, Hampshire RFU will also:

• Develop a dedicated schools rugby section on the Hampshire RFU website.
• Review and coordinate county-wide schools competitions and festivals.

Looking Ahead

This merger represents an important milestone, but more importantly it marks the beginning of an exciting new journey.

Schools rugby has enormous potential within Hampshire. By bringing schools fully into the Hampshire RFU family, we can create stronger partnerships, support more teachers and volunteers, provide better opportunities for young players and ensure schools rugby has a sustainable future.

Together, we can inspire more young people to discover rugby, enjoy rugby and remain in the game for life.

We look forward to sharing further updates over the coming months, including details of the Schools Rugby Manager recruitment and our plans for the 2026–27 season.