WHO WE ARE
Lancashire Rugby Schools
Schools Rugby in Lancashire is well established, with the county being home to many schools and colleges dedicated to delivering rugby at all levels. Whilst the school’s provision may range from taster sessions and short curricular programmes to playing regular block fixtures and entering National Competitions, the aims are the same:
- Emphasis on developing not just rugby players, but well-rounded individuals.
- Inclusivity, offering programs for both boys and girls and encouraging participation from all backgrounds and at all levels.
- Enhancing Rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, which are instilled in players from a young age.
These values play a vital role in shaping the character of young people, helping them develop skills that extend beyond the pitch and into everyday life. School and Age Grade Rugby programs are based on the principles of player-centred, development-driven, and competition-supported approaches, with the wants and needs of young people at their heart.
Lancashire Rugby Schools (formerly County Schools Union, CSU) are very fortunate to receive delivery and extensive financial support from Lancashire RFU. There is a pro-active Schools’ Committee and we have representation both on the Lancashire Board and nationally with England Rugby Schools.
Chair - Adam Jackson (Scarisbrick Hall School)
Secretary – Robbie Jones schoolssecretary@lancashirerfu.com
WHAT WE DO
The role of Lancashire Rugby Schools is to support and promote Rugby Union in all schools in Lancashire:
• Guiding to resources and appropriate information and regulations
- Age Grade playing regulations
- Player Welfare (eg RFU Headcase)
- Coaching Courses and CPD
- Permission to Tour/host competitions
• Providing playing opportunities at all levels (T1 Rugby to contact)
All schools are encouraged to register with the RFU (on GMS, Game Management System) to access regulations, information and resources. To become a member of England Rugby Schools use this link : Become a Member
All the key information regarding Schools Rugby can be found via this RFU Website Link: RFU Schools Rugby
Schools Rugby Managers (SRM)
As part of England Rugby’s strategy to engage 5,000 new state schools to rugby by 2027, the purpose of the SRM network is to grow the reach of rugby in state schools and engage more young people into the sport, where possible linking them to local clubs.
The SRM is deployed for 2 days-a-week for a 3-year period, focusing on 3-4 secondary schools and 15 primary schools per year who don’t already have rugby provision and formulating a local plan to introduce, engage and embed rugby in these schools, including facilitating local playing opportunities.
Lancashire have a number of School Rugby Managers working with the RFU and other local providers to support rugby in non-rugby playing schools, both primary and secondary. The SRM’s operate in specific areas as defined by the RFU with potential for growth, club links and underrepresented groups : Greater Manchester, City of Liverpool, City of Manchester, North West Lancs (Fylde) and North East Lancs (Burnley).
Non-Contact Rugby
T1 Rugby is the non-contact version of the game, and may be best suited to those starting out in the game, both players and teachers/coaches. T1 Rugby resources can be obtained using the following link: Schools T1 Rugby
Lancashire Rugby Schools Festivals
Competitive yet inclusive festivals are organised to introduce students to the game in an engaging and supportive setting.
U12 Girls and U14 Girls events are currently T1 Rugby Festivals. Please contact Lancashire Rugby Schools Hon Sec for expression of interest for Girls contact rugby.
U12 Boys and U13 Boys play in Waterfall Festivals which are tiered (based on playing experience/level) to encourage maximum participation against schools of a similar standard.
Lancashire Rugby Schools Competitions
Competitions are organised where schools compete for regional recognition and pride.
U14-U18 age groups play in knockout Competitions.
There are a number of seeded teams (based on the previous year's festivals/competitions) enabling all teams to start in the same competition.
Teams progress into the Vase, Plate or Cup on a knockout basis.
Teams losing in preliminary/Round 1 enter the Vase, and teams losing in Round 2 will enter the Plate.
Finals are held for the Vase, Plate and Cup in each U14-U18 age group.
Each team will be guaranteed a minimum of two games in each competition.
2025 / 26 Lancashire Rugby Schools Competition Structure
7- A-side Competitions
Rugby 7’s is a popular format of the game in the North West, with a number of schools hosting their own competitions at U12-U18.
Schools wishing to host/run multi schools Festivals/Tournaments with 5 or more schools taking part require approval.
If the event involves 5 or more schools from areas beyond counties bordering Lancashire, National approval is needed from England Rugby Schools.
If entries are from adjoining counties the Lancashire Rugby Schools Hon Secretary can provide the approval.
To obtain permission to host a Schools festival or 7s tournament please use this link: School Competitions Approval
Continental Tyres National Schools Competitions
Schools wishing to enter the Continental Tyres National Schools' competition may do so via the RFU and must be a member of England Rugby Schools
The competition is a knockout tournament for U18 and U15 age groups, with different four tiers, Cup, Vase, Plate, and Bowl to ensure schools play competitve, meaningful matches.
Entry is normally required in June/July of the preceding season.
SCHOOL AND CLUB CONECTIONS
Lancashire Rugby is working hard to encourage collaboration between clubs and their local schools.
Clubs are often the starting point for many young players, offering weekly training sessions from the first weekend in September to the last weekend in April.
Club training sessions are generally held on Sunday mornings and focus on skill development, team work, sportsmanship and respect for opponents and match officials, with coaching delivered by RFU-qualified coaches.
For those learning to play rugby at school, a local club can provide an opportunity to further develop skills with the hope that they will continue to enjoy playing adult rugby once they leave school.
For a list of Lancashire clubs with youth sections, click here Junior Rugby
