Touch Rugby Finds Its Place in Schools Through TRY Sports Championships

The TRY Sports Schools Touch Championships have quickly become a key fixture in the school sport calendar. What started as a very small initiative now connects hundreds of teams, thousands of pupils, and a growing number of teachers and coaches who see Touch as more than just an alternative to traditional contact rugby.

It is a sign of how far the sport has come and where it is heading.

A Game for Everyone

Touch works in schools because it removes almost all of the barriers that have held rugby back. Without the need for tackling, contact, specialist training or specialist kit, more pupils are willing to give it a try. Boys and girls play together. Younger age groups can learn the basics safely. Schools that have never fielded a rugby team are now entering tournaments and coming away with wins.

Teachers speak of improved behaviour, genders mixing in the playground, increased participation in PE, and a rise in pupils wanting to join after-school clubs. The game is simple to learn but rich in skill. It rewards agility, communication, and teamwork. This makes it ideal for a school environment where enjoyment, inclusion, and skill development all matter.

Growth on and off the Pitch

The TRY Sports 'Schools Touch Championships' have helped drive real growth. Each year, more schools take part. Some are now hosting local rounds. Others now run their own inter-house leagues. The regional qualifying competitions feed into national finals that offer a real sense of achievement.

The impact is not limited to players. PE staff have taken on coaching roles. Older pupils are training as referees. Parents are returning as volunteers. For many schools, Touch has become a way to bring their community together around sport.

A Stepping Stone to More

Touch is often a starting point. From there, pupils might explore contact formats. Some join local clubs. Others stick with Touch and build on their skills. The key is not just that they start - but it is that they stay.

By introducing Touch at school level, rugby gains a broader and more diverse base. It keeps more young people in the game for longer. It creates a stronger link between schools, clubs, and governing bodies. And it offers a model that other sports are now looking to follow.

The Future of School Rugby

The success of the TRY Sports Schools Touch Championships shows what is possible when the game meets young people where they are. It makes rugby accessible, relevant, and enjoyable. It brings new energy into schools and gives pupils a version of the sport that fits their world.

As the Championships grow, so too does the future of rugby. One school. One pupil. One team at a time.

How to Start Touch Rugby in Your School

If your school is looking to introduce non-contact rugby, Touch is the best way to start. The TRY Sports Schools Touch Championships offer an easy entry point, with clear rules, training support, and a growing network of schools already involved.

Setting up a Touch Rugby team requires very little: a ball, a few cones, and space to run. From there, the game takes care of itself. It fits into curriculum time and can be played indoors or outdoors. There are no tackles or injuries to manage. Just skill, speed and teamwork.

Email us or head to www.Try-Sports.com to find out more