The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have released a call for evidence to ensure they sustain and future-proof rugby provision for schools, and they want your input.

Schools play a valued and essential role in introducing children and young people to rugby union and ensuring they continue to enjoy the sport as they grow up. They also drive the base of the talent development pyramid. Rugby union in schools (across the state, maintained and independent sectors, and primary and secondary phases) faces both challenges and opportunities.

To ensure schools rugby union remains in tune with schools and fit for the 21st century, the RFU has set up a semi-independent review. The group’s independent Chairman is Sir Jon Coles, CEO of United Learning. The group’s task is to consider the risks and opportunities in order to propose solutions and options to the RFU as to how they can best sustain, increase, and future proof the sport’s footprint across schools.

The review group really want to hear from a wide range of people and organisations about what they think. This includes School Games Organisers and Schools taking part in the Schools Games. The review group has therefore launched a call for evidence. You don’t have to be a part of providing or playing rugby in schools to take part. They still want to hear from you. Young people can of course take part in this call for evidence. However, the review group is also developing a separate engagement process with children and young people.

To have your say, click on this link to read about the review and take part in the call for evidence. The call for evidence closes at 9am on Tuesday 21 February 2023.

The Review Group is aware of the current discussions about the tackle height. This call for evidence isn’t the right vehicle to influence that debate, as its focus is on rugby in schools. The RFU is running a series of separate forums and workshops on the tackle height to hear the views of coaches, match officials and volunteers on this important issue.