Courses and Awards

The RFU provides a comprehensive schedule of training for coaches, referees, volunteers and first aiders. These training and development programmes are available to all, including teachers new to the game or those looking to fine tune their skills.

Coaching pathway

High quality coaching at all levels is crucial to the continued engagement of students in physical activity at school. The RFU has a range of training options to suit people’s different coaching aspirations.

• RFU’s foundation courses - provide the tools to help train people who are new to the game of rugby union
• RFU Qualification Courses - a four-stage qualification scheme where coaches can take their skills up to professional standards
• Specialist courses - Boxing for Rugby Conditioning and Scrum Factory
• Find a coaching course in your area

Strength and conditioning

Rugby union has worked across the elite and grass roots game to put together training related to fitness in young people. These nationally endorsed courses can be accessed by all teaching staff and provide principles across a range of sports in addition to rugby union.

• 1st4Sport Certificates in Coaching Strength and Conditioning (CCSC) – These are vocationally related qualifications, studying both practical and theoretical aspects of coaching strength and conditioning.

Referee pathway

• Entry Level Referee Award - this three-stage award will get you started and provide you with the key tools to referee competently.
• Mini Midi refereeing course - refereeing mini and midi matches will help teachers required to officiate in the early Key Stage 3 year groups.
• Find an ELRA course running near you

First Aid

This again combines rugby union specific training with a more generic need. Teachers accessing the RFU first aid awards programme are enhancing their skills beyond the one sport.

• The RFU provides an Emergency First Aid Course that meets all the criteria for an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification.
• The RFU have also produced guidelines to help you decide what level of medical provision is required.