Rugby Development Foundation

The Rugby Development Foundation, established in 2013 by rugby advocates including Peter Howard and Michael Bylina, is a UK charitable organisation dedicated to advancing the education and development of children and young people aged 13–21 in rugby union, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Born from the need to overcome financial barriers post-2015 Rugby World Cup, its mission emphasises inclusion, motivation, sporting excellence, and personal growth through means-tested bursaries, training, coaching, specialist teaching, and equipment provision. With a volunteer-led board and transparent governance, it nurtures talent at grassroots and advanced levels across England and Wales, supporting both individuals and community initiatives to maximise rugby's educational legacy.

It funds targeted rugby development activities, including fees for coaching clinics, educational institutions, and equipment purchases, prioritising projects that enhance access, performance, and personal development for young players. Beneficiaries encompass promising individuals from low-income families, local community rugby clubs, youth initiatives, and academic institutions fostering rugby talent.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, and academic institutions based in England or Wales, with a preference for smaller, grassroots organisations; no strict income thresholds apply, but support focuses on local-level entities. Grants are invite-only, awarded at trustee discretion via referrals from rugby networks—no unsolicited applications or formal processes are accepted, with decisions on a rolling basis and no deadlines.

Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000 (often £1,000–£3,000), covering project/programme costs but excluding core funding or capital projects. Distinctively, its exclusive rugby youth focus, means-testing, and internal selection process set it apart for those advancing disadvantaged talent in the sport.