Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Rugby

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions her Department has had with sporting bodies on increasing contact rugby participation in schools.

Answer

Rugby remains an established part of school sport and there are clear inequalities among girls, disadvantaged pupils and those with additional needs.

The department maintains regular engagement with sporting bodies, including the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League. These organisations report growing participation in schools and are investing in and are investing in formats such as T1 (non-contact) rugby, tag rugby and touch rugby, which can help schools introduce the sport more easily and safely.

We are investing over £1 billion in PE and school sport over the next three years, including £530 million for the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network. The Network will strengthen links between schools, governing bodies and local clubs, helping to identify and remove barriers to participation and ensuring that rugby, including contact rugby, and other sports are accessible to young people across the country.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18458
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Schools Sports Rugby (sport)
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk