Project Rugby
Rugby unlocks potential!
Playing regularly builds more than players, it can help shape lives. Playing makes children braver and more determined, resilient, healthier and happier.
Rugby helps young people grow in confidence, find their voice, and realise their potential – on and off the pitch
Introduce rugby to your school with Project Rugby’s fun, inclusive sessions delivered by professional coaches from the Exeter Chiefs.
The award-winning programme was created to introduce as many young people as possible to rugby so they can reap the many benefits of playing the sport.
From fair play to team work, listening and learning, rugby teaches children of all ages essential skills they will take through life. It builds respect, discipline, determination and integrity
Delivered in partnership with Gallagher UK and the RFU, Project Rugby has successfully introduced over 140,000 new people to the sport since it started in 2017 with many going on to playing regularly and joining a local club. The familiar setting has been proven to help make young people who had never even picked up a rugby ball before be more open minded, and feel more confident to give rugby a try.
Coaching staff from Exeter Chiefs Community work closely with teaching staff at your school to deliver Project Rugby sessions. Schools don’t need a rugby pitch or even an astro, just a group of willing children who want to give a new sport a try.
Schools can access an initial six weeks of Project Rugby sessions that can be seamlessly integrated into PE lessons or delivered as an extra-curricular programme. Teacher coaching will also be provided via the Gallagher Touchline Academy to build the skills and confidence so rugby can become a regular fixture at the school.
Our Vision
Getting young people playing rugby by creating and sustaining playing opportunities in non-traditional rugby schools.
Our Mission
Increasing rugby participation
- Reaching new audiences
- Increasing participation in a school setting
Our 2025/2026 Goals
Our ambitious targets for the coming season demonstrate our commitment to growing the game
1650
New participants
in 2025/26
23
Schools engaged
in the Community
10
Teachers trained through
Touchline Academy
10
Schools
sustaining playing
Who is it for?
The award-winning programme was created to introduce as many young people as possible to rugby so they can reap the many benefits of playing the sport.
From fair play to team work, listening and learning, rugby teaches essential skills they will take through life. It builds respect, discipline, determination and integrity.
Coaching staff from our Exeter Chiefs Community team will work closely with teaching staff at schools within the South West to deliver Project Rugby sessions.
Schools can access an initial six weeks of Project Rugby sessions that can be seamlessly integrated into PE lessons or delivered as an extra-curricular programme. Teacher coaching will also be provided to build the skills and confidence so rugby can become a regular fixture at the school.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
With over 200 locations across England, this initiative will engage thousands of participants annually, helping to grow the community game.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Designed to engage young people aged 14+ and 16+ (for those with disabilities), offering accessible rugby opportunities in a fun and inclusive environment.
SEN SCHOOLS
Starting January 6th 2025, we’re bringing Project Rugby to SEN schools across Devon, with a goal to increase participation and transition students into local rugby clubs.
Case Study
Meet Cariad
Cariad has been part of our Project Rugby Programme which we are currently delivering at Paignton Academy.
Cariad has been the heart and sole of our after school session, the first one with a ball in hand and the first one diving into the mud.
Since being part of Project Rugby Cariad has now signed up to her local team and already is a massive part of it.
When catching up with Cariad she said 'I have been watching my brother play rugby for 7 years now. About 3 years ago I decided I wanted to start rugby but didn't know how or where until I joined this after school club and fell even more in love with the sport. I scored 2 tries on my debut and another 2 on my second game. Nobody could believe that is was my first game and I was on cloud 9 for days'.
We are absolutely buzzing for Cariad and cannot wait to see what she does within rugby in the future.
The programme is aimed at Primary and Secondary Schools and Special Education schools.
If you are interested in having this programme at your school or organisation please get in touch.