Representative school side launches in Bedford

Expanding Access to Rugby Across Bedford State Schools

Our new Year 8 Boys Representative Rugby programme is already making a powerful impact across Bedford state schools, demonstrating how rugby can engage, inspire and develop students who may not otherwise have access to the sport.

Across just two training sessions, 43 boys from four different schools have taken part, creating a diverse and inclusive representative environment. Crucially, around two thirds of the group do not play rugby outside of school, underlining the programme’s success in reaching new audiences and breaking down traditional barriers to participation.

Despite many players being new to the game, engagement levels have been exceptionally high. Players have embraced the sessions with enthusiasm, showing rapid improvements in confidence, teamwork and core rugby skills. This early response highlights the value of providing a supportive, school-linked pathway that allows young people to experience rugby in a positive and accessible way.

The focus moving forward is on continued growth and development, helping these students build belief in their abilities and providing opportunities to represent their schools in competitive fixtures. The program is already proving that representative rugby can be a powerful tool for inclusion and aspiration within state education.

Growing Rugby Participation at Linslade Middle School

This wider impact is mirrored at Linslade Middle School, where targeted curriculum delivery and after school clubs have significantly increased rugby participation since the summer term.

Weekly after school sessions have regularly attracted over 40 boys and girls, many of whom were new to rugby. Over time, pupils have shown clear progress not only in technical skills, but also in communication, teamwork and self-confidence. All of which are key outcomes that extend well beyond the sport itself.

In addition, curriculum rugby has been delivered to Year 8 girls, with more than 25 pupils participating in each lesson across two sessions per week. As the program progressed, confidence and enjoyment grew dramatically, culminating in a group who can now tackle confidently and engage fully in the game.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate how a connected schools and representative rugby pathway can introduce new students to the sport, build confidence, and create lasting opportunities. The foundations are firmly in place, and the next few months promise further growth as more young people discover rugby through their schools.