On the back of the excitement of the Rugby World Cup, England Rugby has announced a new campaign to re-introduce former players (aged 18-30) into the game of rugby.
Former England skipper Lewis Moody is backing the campaign, which aims to bring 5,000 players back into the game of rugby.
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The Programme
The Return to Rugby programme has been designed based on research conducted with players who had stopped playing rugby, which suggested that they would be more inclined to return to the game if there was an opportunity to come back into clubs and re-learn the skills of rugby in a relevant way.
As students leave University and progress through their careers it is inevitable that many players ind it difficult to continue make rugby a priority and continue to play. Similarly, moving cities and leaving childhood clubs behind often means the end of rugby for many.
This campaign is designed to bring back past rugby players to the game of rugby.
Fifty rugby clubs have already signed up to the programme and will be supported by England Rugby with training, kit, equipment and posters to help to attract players at a local level.
“I am involved in coaching at my local club, so I understand first-hand the challenges faced in recruiting new players,” said Moody.
“This programme, alongside the enjoyment and excitement that a home World Cup brings, will help clubs get as many people as possible into this beautiful game,” said Moody.
“We fully expect players to be inspired by the world’s best players during the upcoming Rugby World Cup and so it was important to ensure that there was an opportunity for them to play again in a way that was more aligned to what they need, but which ultimately leads to more players playing the game we love, more often,” said Steve Grainger, RFU Development Director.
More Information
For more information, head to the Return to Rugby website www.returntorugby.com.
This article has been sponsored by England Rugby.