England Rugby Schools

To promote a structure for the safe and secure organisation and playing of Rugby Union in all schools in England based on the Game’s core values and to further the interests of its members.

England Rugby Schools supports schools delivering rugby across England, providing access to competitions, development opportunities and guidance on the regulations that apply to the schools game.

Whether your school has an established rugby programme or is developing rugby for the first time, it is worth becoming a member.

Join England Rugby Schools

Membership is free for schools and provides access to England Rugby Schools support and opportunities, including schools competitions and rugby development activity.

Join or renew your free England Rugby Schools membership

Key regulations for schools

You don’t need to know every RFU regulation, but there are a few that are particularly important when delivering rugby in a school.

England Rugby Schools identifies Regulations 9, 10, 15 and 19 as particularly relevant to the schools game.

View England Rugby Schools’ regulations guidance

Regulation 15 – Age Grade Rugby

The main regulation for anyone delivering youth rugby.

Regulation 15 covers Age Grade Rugby in both schools and clubs, including training, matches and the forms of rugby that can be played at each age.

It is designed to provide appropriate rugby for young players while supporting their safety, development and long-term enjoyment of the game.

It includes areas such as:

the Rules of Play for different age groups
playing outside a player’s normal age grade
appropriate playing opportunities
competitions and festivals
player welfare and playing load.

Read RFU Regulation 15 – Age Grade Rugby

Regulation 15 applications

Some circumstances require an application or approval rather than simply a school decision.

Use the relevant RFU application form below:

Schools playing up or down out of age grade application form

School combining out of age grade application form

Colleges playing up or down out of age grade application form

If you are unsure whether approval is required, check Regulation 15 before a player takes part.

Regulation 9 – Player safety and RugbySafe

Think: safe delivery of rugby.

Schools have responsibilities for the health and safety of pupils, staff and volunteers involved in rugby.

Regulation 9 applies across school rugby activity, including:

training
school fixtures
festivals
intra-school rugby
touch rugby

Schools should ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for areas including first aid, training, facilities and equipment.

Regulation 9 guidance for schools

Regulation 10 – Tours and cross-border rugby

Think: taking your team outside England or hosting overseas opposition.

Regulation 10 covers rugby tours and cross-union activity.

Schools travelling to another rugby union — including Wales, Scotland or Ireland — may need prior approval. England Rugby Schools also requires approval for schools hosting touring teams from another union.

This can include: