Representative side inspires boys new to rugby

Bedford Schools Launch Inclusive Year 8 Rugby Programme, Culminating in Spirited Representative Fixture

A new initiative aimed at opening the doors of contact rugby to a wider group of young athletes has taken centre stage across Bedford this term. The Year 8 Representative Rugby Project, designed specifically to welcome pupils with little or no previous rugby experience, brought together students from schools across the town for a programme focused on skill‑building, confidence, and enjoyment of the sport.

Across three specialist coaching sessions, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of contact rugby in a supportive and development‑centred environment. Led by coaches from the Blues Foundation, the programme covered safe tackling technique, ball‑handling, teamwork, and game understanding—ensuring that new players could embrace the physical and tactical elements of rugby at a comfortable pace.

Teachers and coaches alike praised the enthusiasm and progress shown by pupils, many of whom were experiencing rugby for the first time. The sessions also fostered new friendships and a strong sense of camaraderie between the participating schools, highlighting the programme’s success in making rugby more accessible across Bedford.

The project culminated in an eagerly anticipated representative fixture against the Milton Keynes Year 8 side—a valuable opportunity for the Bedford players to put their new skills into action. The match was played in an excellent spirit, with both sides demonstrating determination, resilience, and rapidly developing ability. Bedford eventually secured a 45–35 victory in a fast‑paced and entertaining contest that impressed coaches and spectators.

Ilan Evans, Bedford Blues player and rugby coach for Blues Foundation, who designed and delivered the programme, praised the players for their commitment:
“This project was created to give young people who’ve never played rugby before a genuine taste of what contact rugby is all about—while making sure everyone felt welcome, supported, and able to succeed. The effort, attitude, and progress the players showed has been outstanding.”

The success of the programme has sparked excitement for future initiatives aimed at broadening participation in rugby across Bedford’s schools.