Army Rugby Union Trust

The Army Rugby Union Trust (ARU Trust), founded in 1906 and formally incorporated as a charity, is the principal charitable body dedicated to promoting and fostering rugby union within the British Army and its associated military and civilian communities. Its core mission is to advance physical efficiency and sporting opportunity for all ranks, regardless of ability, by providing robust infrastructure that ensures no Army participant is denied the chance to play, coach, or referee at their highest level. Rooted in values of teamwork, discipline, inclusivity, personal excellence, and safe play, the Trust aligns with Rugby Football Union and World Rugby standards, uniquely bridging grassroots access with elite performance pathways to enhance Army cohesion and lifelong physical development.

It funds thematic priorities like increasing rugby participation, talent development, coaching and referee training, injury prevention, and community engagement, supporting men's and women's representative teams (Senior, U23, Masters, Sevens), ARU leagues, Inter Corps competitions, facilities, fixtures, and events. Beneficiaries are strictly serving Army personnel, veterans, families, and linked communities, with grants directed to internal Army rugby clubs, teams, and societies—evidenced by investments in UK-wide bases, British Army Germany, and international fixtures.

Unsolicited applications from external charities are not accepted; eligibility is limited to Army rugby ecosystem entities with no specified income thresholds, though smaller to medium-sized internal groups are preferred. Typical grants range from £500 to £20,000 for projects, operational costs, and roles, awarded via targeted email applications to specific calls (e.g., programme or job deadlines like September 2025). Trustees meet quarterly to review, with no open rounds. Distinctively, it excludes independent organisations, focusing exclusively on military rugby to uphold equality, high standards, and barrier removal in this niche domain.