"Benefit young people" - Gallagher launches new initiative to raise youth rugby participation

The initiative aims to up-skill 2,000 teachers by 2028, equipping them with the tools to bring rugby into more UK state schools and help shape the next generation of rugby players.

It addresses the fact that recently, rugby participation amongst school-age children has fallen drastically. 

In the 2023/24 school year, only 8% of children aged 5 to 16 played rugby, highlighting a gap in accessibility and coaching within schools. Gallagher’s Touchline Academy is designed to remove barriers by offering training to teachers regardless of their prior rugby experience.

The Academy’s structure includes three stages: a virtual kickoff call, in-person training sessions hosted at Gallagher Premiership Rugby clubs, and a six-week lesson plan developed by Premiership Rugby community coaches.  

This approach ensures that teachers gain both theoretical and practical skills to deliver rugby sessions confidently within their schools. 

Nick Harris, CEO of Gallagher’s UK broking business, said, “We’re incredibly proud to be launching the Gallagher Touchline Academy as a continuation of our long-term commitment to rugby.  

“By delivering the programme directly to teachers, our ambition is to create a new wave of coaches who will develop the next generation of rugby players. It’s a hugely exciting initiative that will benefit young people from many different backgrounds.” 

Gallagher has been the title partner of Premiership Rugby since 2018 and has had multiple involvements in trying to diversify the sport already. 

Its previous initiative, Project Rugby, delivered in partnership with Premiership Rugby and the RFU, has introduced over 100,000 young people from underrepresented groups to the game.  

The Touchline Academy builds on this foundation by targeting educators directly, recognizing their critical role in youth development.

To commemorate the launch, Gallagher produced a photo series highlighting the powerful influence teachers can have on young athletes. The series features prominent rugby players alongside the educators who helped guide them: 

Ellis Genge and Lloyd Russell 

Genge, now a star for Bristol Bears and England, credits his former mentor Lloyd Russell for helping him avoid expulsion and channel his energy into sport. Russell, who once represented England in karate, gave up his job to work with at-risk youth, playing a key role in Genge’s development. 

Christian Wade and Jon Scourfield 

Wade, who played at RGS High Wycombe, was introduced to rugby at age 11 by Jon Scourfield, then Director of Rugby. The two remain close, with Scourfield having helped launch Wade’s rugby journey. 

Marcus Smith and Nick Bouy 

Smith was first spotted by Bouy at a rugby summer camp at age 11. Bouy, now Director of Rugby at Brighton College, is said to have persuaded Smith’s parents to move from Singapore to the UK so their son could attend on a rugby scholarship. 

Ellis Genge praised the initiative, stating, “I know first-hand how important a teacher can be in steering you onto the right path when you are young and impressionable. I could so easily have fallen astray if it wasn’t for the guidance and education that I received from my rugby teachers during my teenage years. Rugby gave me a sense of purpose and I am so grateful for the opportunities it has given me. That is why I’m proud to support the Gallagher Touchline Academy.” 

Jill Scott, former Lioness and Euro 2022 winner, also voiced her support as a Gallagher ambassador. Reflecting on the importance of teachers in fostering youth talent, Scott said, “This campaign is a fantastic way to generate a similar growth in rugby as we’ve seen in women’s football. Teachers are essential to ensuring young people have the support and guidance they need to thrive in the world of sport.” 

With the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup set to take place in England this Summer, it seems to be a perfect time to improve inclusion into the sport. 

Teachers interested in joining the programme can sign up via Gallagher’s dedicated portal. There are no eligibility criteria or prior experience requirements. The only prerequisite is a willingness to inspire students through rugby. 

To learn more or register, visit: https://gallaghertouchlineacademy.sponsorworks.co.uk