Project Rugby grows for the new season

Following a successful start to the programme, this season the Exeter Chiefs Community Department will be again working with schools, youth groups and charity events to deliver ‘Project Rugby’.

Project Rugby is a joint initiative between Premiership Rugby and England Rugby aimed at introducing rugby union to those who perhaps would not traditionally have access to the game.

The team have already worked with a range of age groups across the South West, both in a classroom setting for the ‘Making Yards’ programme and taking rugby engagement sessions, plus with groups such as the YMCA in Plymouth where the team were involved with the Special Olympics.

The initial phases of the project have been hugely positive, with some of the students joining local rugby clubs to play the game competitively as well as the team seeing massive changes in confidence to the students.

Community Development Coach, Ann Webb, said: “Delivering Project Rugby is extremely rewarding and the outcomes are something all of us in the Community Department are passionate about – improving activity, wellbeing, confidence and the perception of the game of rugby.

This season, Ann and her fellow Community Development Coach Aron Struminski are planning to deliver rugby sessions in PE lessons at schools, then offer an after-school rugby club to those wishing to pursue the game further. They will also be organising events with local rugby clubs, aiming to increase uptake in the competitive game.

Ann continued, “We are hoping to reach up to 1,500 young people this year as part of Project Rugby. Currently we will be working with Uffculme School, Paignton Academy, Exmouth College, Spires College, Clyst Vale and South Dartmoor Community College, with more schools expected to become involved over the course of the season.

“We are really looking forward to the season and the challenges that will come with it, as well as focusing on transitioning people into rugby clubs.”

For more information about Project Rugby, visit https://www.premiershiprugby.com/projectrugby/pages/what-is-project-rugby/