On Saturday 14th June, Bath Rugby Foundation took a group of students from The Springfields Academy to a very special Project Rugby tournament – one that will stay with them for a long time.

The day began at The Stoop, home of Harlequins, where students took part in a Project Rugby touch-rugby tournament alongside young people from other Premiership Rugby club Foundations across the country. These tournaments are part of a national initiative that uses rugby to break down barriers and promote inclusion for participants from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds.

In an unforgettable moment for our young people, the groups then took part in a mixed-ability half-time rugby match on the pitch at Allianz Stadium, during the Premiership Final. The experience of running out onto the field in front of thousands of fans was not only exciting – it was empowering, giving the young people the sense of belonging.

We were very fortunate to be accompanied by students from The Springfields Academy, with whom we’ve been working throughout the year to build confidence, develop life skills, and create pathways to independence. Saturday was the perfect opportunity to put those skills into practice – both during the tournament and in the incredible experience of playing on the Premiership Final stage.

This was more than just a day of rugby. It was an example of our vision in action:
Every child deserves a fair start in life.

The experience embodied the values that guide everything we do at Bath Rugby Foundation, and everything Bath Rugby took onto the pitch that day:

• Collaboration – working together across foundations to create something bigger than ourselves

• Trust – creating a safe and empowering space for every young person

• Belief – showing faith in their potential, both on and off the pitch

To find out more about our work with Project Rugby, or to see how you can refer a young person to one of our programmes, email: [email protected]