Led by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Touch to Twickenham is a national programme which aims to promote non-contact rugby in schools and colleges in England. The programme specifically targets students who have had little to no experience playing rugby, giving them the opportunity to try out the sport in an inclusive and fun environment.

Having made it through to the National Finals following success in regional tournaments in the Spring, students in mixed 8-a-side teams went head-to-head and enjoyed support from their peers and teachers at the stadium. United Learning’s rugby specialists, co-funded by the RFU, were also on hand to provide feedback and encouragement to the players.

This is the latest in a series of rugby events which students from these schools have taken part in, allowing them to develop their skills over the course of the year.

The schools’ participation in the tournament forms part of PARIS 2024, an initiative launched by United Learning to promote sport and physical activity in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.

Shaun Dowling, Head of Sport at United Learning, said:

“It was fantastic to watch students from Huish Episcopi Academy, The Totteridge Academy and Montsaye Academy show off their skills at Sixways Stadium as they competed against each other and schools from across the country.

“Through working with the RFU, we are delighted that so many of our students have taken up rugby and seen how this fun and rewarding sport really is for everyone. We are grateful to the RFU not only for putting on brilliant events such as these but also for their wider work in our schools to promote participation in rugby and provide our staff with specialist rugby training opportunities.

“Looking to the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer and beyond, we are excited to put on further rugby events as we continue to develop our PARIS 2024 initiative. The initiative aims to inspire students to get involved in a range of sports through an array of activities both in school as well as regionally and nationally.”