The purpose of this article is to provide a clear explanation of how a player can progress through the game of rugby in England.

Tag Rugby

This modified, small-sided game can be played at any age and by mixed gender. It is however, mostly played by those under 14 years of age. Opportunities for Tag exist in primary schools, secondary schools, leisure centre activities, and within RFU & RFUW affiliated clubs.

Youth Initiatives

A number of organisations  and run rugby initiatives from local rugby clubs to Local Authorities and Active Sports Partnerships. To find out what’s happening in your area please contact your local rugby club, Rugby Development Officer, or RFUW Partnership Development Officer.

Active Sports

The Active Sports programme is currently running in 45 partnership areas throughout England. The programme runs from an introductory level at stage 1 to Area Development Squads at stage 4 for girls aged between 10 and 15. Active Sports also enables coaches and administrators to develop through the programme. For further information relating to Active Sports please contact your RFUW Partnership Development Officer or RFUW National Youth Development Officer.

Junior Schools Rugby

An expanding number of schools are now affiliated to the RFUW and offer rugby to girls both within and outside of curriculum time. Many teachers are now qualified as RFU Coaches and provide rugby alongside Club coaches.

Junior Club Rugby

The number of clubs offering girls rugby at both U16 & U18 level are increasing. Opportunities for coaching, training and competitive matches occur at this level.

Regional Rugby

Regional Rugby occurs within 9 RFUW regions in England at U16, U18 and senior level. All regions provide coaching, training, trials and matches at each age banding.

England Youth

Athletes invited to the RFUW England Youth Performance Camp at U16 & U18 level are selected at regional youth rugby and the Regional 10’s competition which is held annually. England Youth players are given an insight into Team England Rugby, through training and hot topic seminars such as nutrition and psychology. Outstanding players attending this camp have also been fast-tracked through to the Team England Academy.

Student Rugby

Rugby for women was first established within universities and continues to be an important provider of rugby for women. Many student teams within both Further and Higher Education are members of both the RFUW and BUSA. Students registered as players with the RFUW are entitled to trial at RFUW County, Regional and Team England. Students are also being encouraged to play rugby within RFUW clubs, strengthening links between students and their community.

England Students

Trials for England Students take place annually and are organised by the RFUW Student Director. Those at Higher Educational establishments can trial for this squad.  Successful trialists take part in coaching, training and international matches at England level.

Senior Club Rugby

There are approximately 300 RFUW affiliated teams in England involved in coaching, training and playing senior (post 16 years) rugby. Teams play league, merit league, cup and friendly fixtures in a structured season from September to May. New teams are constantly forming and are able to pay a reduced affiliation which enables the playing of friendly fixtures while establishing.

RFUW Player Development Academies (PDA’s)

The RFUW organise and run PDA’s annually throughout the country to identify talented players from all levels of the game. All senior players are invited to trial for academy places. Athletes selected for the PDA’s are provided with intensive education, development and support throughout the summer.  From this there are further trials for the best 80 players to take part in the Super Fours competition, pitting the best against the best.

England Academy

Following the Super Fours and the PDA’s there is a selection process to place the most talented players in the appropriate squads.  Athletes with the potential to succeed at International level in the future are placed in the England Academy, who receive structured training and competition throughout the season. The Academy provides athletes with the skills and support services to maximize their potential and is the pathway to the Elite Squad.

Elite Squad

The Elite Squad comprises of England and England A. The squad is selected after the Super Fours and players from the Academy are sometimes selected to play for the A’s and seniors when injuries have occurred.

For further information please contact:

RFUW

Rugby House

Rugby Road

Twickenham

TW1 1DS

Email RFUW@therfu.com

Published on: 27/05/04