England Rugby Develops Player Programme

The RFU has unveiled the ‘England Rugby Developing Player Programme’, which will be introduced next season to provide a clear and structured package of quality coaching for new and existing players between the ages of 13 and 16.

Clubs and schools will be invited to nominate players for inclusion in the programme, to be run jointly by the RFU, the Constituent Bodies and the 14 Regional Academies.

The programme is an evolution of the existing ‘Schools of Rugby’ and has been developed following a review and game-wide consultation. 

It is hoped the programme will identify those with talent and help them find the right direction to follow, whether that is into professional rugby or long term participation at a level appropriate to them.

An important element of the programme will be to enable ‘talent transfer’, encouraging potential rugby union players up to the age of 16 to join the game from playing other sports.

A specialist workforce of ‘Developing Player Coaches’, who will be drawn from clubs, schools and academies, will be recruited and developed. 

Stuart Armstrong, RFU playing pathways manager, said: ‘These are exciting plans aimed at providing young players with the essential support to optimise their skills and abilities.’

‘This is a pretty major re-think of how the game supports players in the 13 to 16 age group, which is the first step on our talent development pathway. Where possible, rugby skills will be learnt in a game-like environment, not by drills in isolation. We have integrated new knowledge and understanding of the needs of a developing athlete, reflecting up-to-date developments in coaching and sports science.’

The new programme will also enhance the development and quality of players who will go on to play community rugby clubs up and down the country.

Bob Lawless, developing player programme manager for Middlesex, highlighted the wider benefits of the programme: ‘Middlesex are delighted after 8 years of collaborative work in the School of Rugby, to lead on the new Developing Player Programme within the County.’

‘The coaches and management team are really looking forward to adopting and developing the changes within the programme and the perceived benefits that will improve the players, our clubs and our CB.’