Inclusive, modern, active and with many mental health benefits, there?s so much more to rugby in schools than meets the eye, writes Charlotte Pearson
Ever since, in 1832, an errant boy at Rugby School had the cheek to pick up a football and run down the pitch with it, the game of rugby has held a place in the hearts of many. Today, rugby in schools continues to be a leading winter sport at many independents, despite the popularity of football and the nagging stories of injuries. 
Why There?s More to Rugby in Schools Than Meets The Eye
Dan Pratt is head of sport at Wellington College, a co-ed boarding school an hour from London. He explains that, as well as being great fun ? the joy of muddy tackles and scrums ? rugby is ?one of the best life-learning environments for pupils?. And it is becoming as popular with girls as it is with boys, with Benenden, Sherborne and Sydenham High just a few of those doing their bit to break gender stereotypes, fielding female teams and sending players to the Women?s Rugby World Cup. 
?As an invasion-based team game, rugby teaches skills such as effective communication, strategic leadership and fast, tactical decision-making: for example, what actions to take following penalties. It provides a wonderful environment in which to learn genuinely meaningful transferable life skills like resilience, commitment and teamwork,? says Pratt.
?In a world where such skills are being given as much value as subject knowledge, it has a profoundly important...