Project Rugby

London has great diversity in its population, however, not everyone in this population has equal opportunities and often particular groups of people are underrepresented, especially in the sporting community.

Project Rugby is a joint initiative between The Harlequins Foundation, Premiership Rugby and the RFU, which is aimed at increasing opportunity and representation in rugby, in previously underrepresented groups (Black, Asian and minority ethnic, low socio-economic background, and people with disabilities).

Project Rugby is run in secondary schools in years nine, ten and eleven. The Harlequins Foundation coaches create a bespoke plan with a prospective school to understand the needs of the young people participating in the Project Rugby sessions. This allows the coaches to better engage, support and mentor the young learners they work with.

Project Rugby aims to reduce personal and environmental barriers, impacting its participants by increasing their confidence and resilience through rugby.

During Project Rugby sessions young people will have a chance to develop all eight essential skills, with a real focus on listening, speaking, teamwork and aiming high.

These skills are not only essential in building a successful rugby team but are also transferable skills which enable a young person to be successful in their life.