New Schools Rugby Manager appointed for North Hampshire
Hampshire RFU is delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Gillings as Schools Rugby Manager for North Hampshire, strengthening our investment in schools rugby and creating further capacity to grow the game across the county.
The appointment has been made in partnership with Queen Mary’s College (QMC), Basingstoke, which will employ and host the role as part of England Rugby’s national Schools Rugby Manager programme.
Adam will start later in October and joins Hampshire with a strong background in both rugby and sports development. Having worked within schools and played a leading role in developing women’s and girls’ rugby at club level, he brings valuable experience alongside real passion and energy for creating opportunities for more young people to experience and enjoy the game.
Growing rugby in North Hampshire
At the heart of the Schools Rugby Manager role is sustainable rugby development within state schools.
Adam will work closely with schools across the Basingstoke area in Hampshire, with the core programme targeting engagement with approximately 15 primary schools and 3–4 secondary schools each year.
Importantly, the role is about more than simply delivering rugby sessions. Adam will work with schools to help establish activity that can continue and grow, including supporting curriculum and extracurricular rugby, introducing T1 Rugby, developing teachers and young leaders, creating playing opportunities and building stronger connections between schools and their local rugby clubs.
The focus will be on helping schools develop the skills, confidence and relationships required to make rugby a sustainable part of their sporting offer.
Investing in schools rugby across Hampshire
The appointment also represents another important step in Hampshire RFU’s wider plans for schools rugby following the merger of Hampshire Schools RFU into Hampshire RFU earlier this year.
Alongside the core SRM responsibilities, Hampshire RFU is funding additional time within Adam’s role specifically to support schools rugby across the whole county.
This additional remit will focus on improving the connectivity and visibility of schools rugby in Hampshire, including:
- Supporting the coordination and development of county schools competitions and festivals.
- Establishing regular and effective communication with schools across Hampshire.
- Supporting the growth and engagement of Hampshire Schools Rugby membership.
- Developing stronger relationships with School Games Organisers, the Active Partnership and other education partners.
- Strengthening connections between schools, community clubs and wider rugby opportunities.
- Sharing opportunities, resources, good practice and success stories from across the schools game.
The ambition is to make it easier for schools to understand what rugby opportunities are available, where they can access support and how they can connect with the wider game.
The new North Hampshire role complements the established Schools Rugby Manager programme in Havant, Portsmouth and Gosport and gives Hampshire greater capacity to connect schools, clubs and partners across the county.
We look forward to welcoming Adam and introducing them to schools, clubs and partners across Hampshire.
Schools Rugby Manager – North Hampshire
Adam Gillings
Email: adam.gillings@QMC.AC.UK
General Hampshire schools rugby, competitions and membership enquiries:
schools@hampshirerfu.com
Schools can find information about Hampshire schools rugby, competitions, festivals, School Rugby Managers and opportunities to get involved on the https://hampshirerfu.com/schools-rugby/.
