The Duke of Sussex visits the Rugby Football Union All Schools Programme

The Duke of Sussex visited Lealands High School in Luton to see the Rugby Football Union (RFU) All Schools in action.

RFU All Schools was launched to increase the number of secondary state schools playing rugby union, with the aim of introducing 750 additional schools to the game. The programme is focused on introducing young people to Rugby Union and then helping them to move to local rugby clubs. The Duke’s visit to Lealands High School, the 750th school to sign up to RFU All Schools, will celebrate the programme reaching this milestone.

The Duke met students and coaches from five local schools who shared how the programme is helping to increase student activity levels, as well as improve behaviour and attendance. His Royal Highness also met volunteers from local rugby clubs in Luton before watching schools taking part in skills sessions and playing mixed touch rugby matches.

The Duke of Sussex became Patron of RFU All Schools in 2013, and became Patron of the Rugby Football Union in 2017, succeeding Her Majesty The Queen. As a passionate supporter of the sport and the benefits it can provide for young people, His Royal Highness regularly meets with rugby volunteers and students taking part in RFU All Schools.

The Duke trained as an Assistant Development Officer with the RFU as part of his gap year in 2004. Once qualified, His Royal Highness went out to schools and clubs around the country assisting community rugby coaches to teach the game to young people.