Schools Rugby
Growing the game across Hampshire’s schools.
Hampshire RFU is delighted to introduce Luke Worthington as our first Schools Rugby Manager (SRM), a brand-new initiative designed to grow rugby in schools and create lasting pathways into our community clubs.
This exciting development is part of the national RFU Schools Rugby Manager network, with Hampshire RFU securing additional local investment through a unique partnership with TKAT (The Kemnal Academies Trust). Together, we are bringing more rugby opportunities to young people in our county.
Local Focus: Havant, Gosport & Portsmouth
The first phase of the programme will focus on schools in Havant, Gosport, and Portsmouth—areas with fantastic potential for rugby growth and strong local clubs ready to welcome new players.
Our initial delivery targets are:
- 2–3 secondary schools introducing and embedding rugby programmes.
- 12–15 primary schools offering rugby as part of the PE curriculum and extra-curricular activity.
What is T1 Rugby?
At the heart of this work is T1 Rugby, a non-contact format of the game. T1 allows pupils to experience the speed, skills, and teamwork of rugby in a safe and inclusive environment—building confidence before some may choose to progress into contact rugby.
T1 Rugby is particularly effective at engaging new schools, younger pupils (Upper KS2 and up), and under-represented groups, including girls. Find out more about T1 here.
Key Responsibilities of the Schools Rugby Manager
The SRM will:
- Introduce and grow rugby into schools across the Havant, Gosport and Portsmouth cluster.
- Deliver high-quality rugby experiences for pupils, including curriculum and festival opportunities.
- Upskill teachers and young leaders through training and CPD sessions, ensuring sustainability in schools.
- Build links between schools and clubs, creating clear and welcoming transition routes into local rugby.
- Report on progress and impact through agreed key performance indicators (KPIs).
Partnership with TKAT
This role is co-funded by the RFU and TKAT, one of the UK’s largest multi-academy trusts with 45 schools across the South of England, including Havant Academy, Front Lawn Primary and Miltoncross Academy in Portsmouth. TKAT’s commitment to pupil development and staff CPD makes them an ideal partner for expanding rugby’s reach. Find out more about TKAT here.
Get Involved
If you are a school in Havant, Portsmouth or Gosport and would like to bring rugby to your pupils, please contact us at Luke Worthington
Hampshire Schools RFU
Hampshire Schools RFU supports rugby programs that bring the game to life for school age children across the county. They coordinate a variety of exciting events designed to inspire the next generation of rugby players:
- School Cups: Competitive yet inclusive tournaments where schools compete for regional recognition and pride.
- Festivals: Fun, developmental events that introduce students to the game in an engaging and supportive setting.
For more information please contact the Hampshire Schools RFU Chair, Andy Fields schools@hampshirerfu.com.
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