PROJECT RUGBY: BUILDING MORE THAN PLAYERS
Project Rugby: From Sidelined Sport to StoneX Stadium - Hemel Hempstead School Reignites Its Passion for Rugby
At Hemel Hempstead School, rugby just wasn’t part of school life. Despite being included in the PE curriculum, low engagement, few competitive opportunities and a lack of staff confidence meant the sport struggled to gain momentum beyond lessons.
However, all that changed in Summer 2025, when PE teacher Matt Cannon enrolled in the Gallagher Touchline Academy, a Project Rugby training programme designed to give teachers the skills and confidence to deliver rugby effectively in schools.
Through practical development, including in-person training hosted at Saracens, and with renewed confidence Mr Cannon was inspired to enter a series of boys’ rugby festivals at StoneX Stadium. This offered pupils a structured pathway into regular competition, re-igniting interest and re-establishing rugby within the school.
Project Rugby, the award-winning participation programme delivered by PREM Rugby in partnership with Gallagher UK and England Rugby, has a powerful mission: to get more schools playing rugby across the country, transforming young lives along the way. Saracens are supporting this mission, working with schools in their local community to introduce the sport to children who might not otherwise pick up a ball.
For Hemel Hempstead School, the shift has been significant. Previously, after-school participation in rugby had been inconsistent, with limited fixtures and competing priorities across other sports. Additional barriers included staff reservations around contact elements and a lack of confidence in officiating matches further restricting delivery.
The introduction of the StoneX Stadium festival series between December 2025 and February 2026 marked a turning point. Rather than isolated fixtures, pupils competed against multiple schools over four consecutive weeks, creating continuity, progression and a clear sense of development.
This regular structure allowed players to grow in confidence each week, improving not only their technical skills but also teamwork and motivation to participate. Having the opportunity to play at a professional venue further enhanced the experience, generating excitement and engagement that had previously been absent.
Reflecting on the experience, Matt Canon said:
“The pupils have loved the opportunity to visit and play at StoneX Stadium - they get a real buzz out of being at a professional venue and taking pictures on the subs’ bench. The Year 8 boys were delighted to finish third out of ten teams in the week four finals fixture - a testament to their hard work and dedication.”
Del Godfrey-Shaw, Project Rugby coach at Saracens, adds: “What’s been really impressive at Hemel Hempstead is the shift in confidence - not just from the players, but from staff too. Once Matt completed the Touchline Academy, you could see how quickly that translated into opportunity for the pupils. The festivals then gave them something to aim for each week, and that consistency is what’s really driven their development and enjoyment of the game.”
Building more than players
Having already introduced more than 140,000 young people to the sport, the aim of Project Rugby goes far deeper than participation. It unlocks potential. Rugby helps young people grow in confidence and resilience, find their voice and realise what they are capable of. Whether played at school, in a park or at a club, it fosters teamwork, pride and builds a sense of belonging. It creates friendships, supports healthier lifestyles and can open pathways into sport and education.
Project Rugby is open to everyone, everywhere. Schools do not need a rugby pitch or specialist facilities, just pupils willing to try something new and a teacher ready to give them the opportunity. Teachers with no previous rugby experience are supported through the Gallagher Touchline Academy.
Get Involved
Schools interested in offering Project Rugby should contact Del Godfrey-Shaw at DerekGodfreyShaw@saracens.net to find out more. No specialist facilities are required, and teachers receive ongoing training and support.
Parents keen to see their child’s school involved are encouraged to speak to PE leads or senior leadership teams. Young people can also explore opportunities through their local rugby clubs.
