RFU Faces Crisis as Rugby Participation in Schools Declines

A new report urges the Rugby Football Union to adopt non-contact rugby forms to combat dwindling school-level engagement and elitist perceptions.

The RFU has been warned that rugby is losing relevance among schoolchildren, risking its status as a major sport in England.
An independent review highlights concerns over rugby's elitist image and safety issues, contributing to declining participation.
The RFU plans to roll out T1 Rugby, a non-contact form, to 5,000 schools by 2027 to broaden the sport's appeal.
The report recommends introducing three versions of rugby: non-contact, reduced contact, and full contact, to attract diverse players.
There are calls for the RFU to reduce ticket prices at Twickenham to encourage more diverse audiences and support grassroots initiatives.