Hertfordshire Rugby is committed to supporting every school in the county to deliver high-quality rugby experiences. Whether you are introducing rugby for the first time or looking to expand an existing programme, we are here to help — working closely with the RFU, local clubs, and School Rugby Managers to make the process as simple and rewarding as possible.
Why Rugby in Schools?
The vast majority of young people in Hertfordshire will only ever experience rugby through school. That first experience matters enormously. When teachers feel confident and supported to deliver rugby, students follow — and many go on to join their local club and play for life
Rugby develops far more than physical fitness. It builds resilience, teamwork, communication, and respect — values that benefit young people in every area of life.
What Hertfordshire Rugby Offers Schools
- Access to School Rugby Managers (SRMs) who provide direct, on-the-ground support
- T1 Rugby resources — equipment flatpacks and ready-to-teach lesson plans for KS3/KS4
- Contact and non-contact formats to suit every school’s needs and preferences
- Schemes of work designed by teachers, for teachers — including non-contact options
- Club-based competitions and festivals throughout the year
- Teacher CPD sessions and coaching qualifications pathway
- Transition support to help students move from school rugby into local clubs
- A named Club–School Liaison at every Hertfordshire club
T1 Rugby — Making Rugby Easy to Deliver
T1 Rugby is the RFU’s exciting, entry-level format designed specifically for schools. It retains the key features of the game — lineouts, scrums, and kicking — in a format that is accessible, engaging, and straightforward for any teacher to run, regardless of their rugby background.
Hertfordshire Rugby supports T1 delivery in schools by:
- Linking schools with their local SRM for hands-on delivery support
- Providing access to the RFU’s T1 equipment flatpacks
- Connecting teaching staff to RFU T1-specific CPD and training
- Running T1 waterfall competitions hosted at local rugby clubs across the county
School Rugby Competitions
Hertfordshire Rugby runs a full calendar of club-based competitions designed to bring students, teachers, and families into the heart of local rugby clubs. These events are designed to be enjoyable for players of all abilities — not just the A team.
| Event Type | Format | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| T1 Waterfall Competition | Multiple ability levels, short games, social elements | 4 events per year across Hertfordshire |
| Festival Days at Clubs | Non-competitive, inclusive taster sessions | Throughout the school year |
| End-of-Block Festivals | Culmination of third-party coaching blocks | At the end of each coached programme |
Teacher Training & CPD
Hertfordshire Rugby actively works to build teacher confidence in delivering rugby. We understand the barriers — concerns about contact rugby, lack of experience, and limited planning time — and we have practical solutions for all of them.
Our offer for teachers includes:
- Free or subsidised CPD sessions delivered locally and at rugby clubs
- Hertfordshire Rugby stash as a thank-you for engagement in CPD and competitions
- Welcome events at clubs — social evenings where teachers can meet coaches and explore what local clubs have to offer
- Schemes of work for KS3 and KS4, including non-contact formats
Signposting to RFU online training resources and the England Rugby Learning
Get in Touch — We Will Come to You
- Want to bring rugby into your school? Our School Rugby Managers are ready to visit, assess your needs, and build a plan that works for you.
- Email: schools@hertsrugby.co.uk
- Or contact your nearest Hertfordshire club to speak to their dedicated Club–School Liaison.
Third-Party Coaching Support
For schools in priority areas or those with limited staff capacity, Hertfordshire Rugby can commission trusted third-party coaching providers to deliver introductory rugby blocks on your behalf. Every block concludes with a festival at a local club, ensuring a smooth and exciting transition for pupils.
Providers are vetted and monitored by Hertfordshire Rugby to ensure sessions are safe, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of your students.
How to Get Started
- Step 1 — Get in touch with Hertfordshire Rugby or your nearest club
- Step 2 — We assess your school’s needs and connect you with an SRM
- Step 3 — Access resources: T1 flatpack, schemes of work, competition calendar
- Step 4 — Bring your students to a club-based festival or competition
- Step 5 — We support the transition of interested students into local club rugby
