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)
