This strategy has been produced by the national governing bodies for rugby union in England, the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football Union for Women with the support of Sport England. It is based of research carried out by PMP Consultancy during 1999 and 2000. The strategy sets out the facility requirements for the Rugby Union over the next five years, with the ultimate aim of meeting the demands of all levels of the sports development continuum from foundation and participation through to performance and excellence.

The assessment of applications to the Sport England Lottery fund, and other funding agencies, for Rugby Union projects should take account of the priorities and criteria outlined in this document. However, it must be emphasised that demand for financial support from the Sport England Lottery Fund far exceeds supply. Therefore, although projects may be identified as priorities within this strategy and meet the required specifications, this cannot guarantee financial support from the Sport England Lottery Fund.

Contents

Forwards (PDF 367 Kb)	Forwards and Introduction
Strategy Context (PDF 256Kb)	How the sport is goverened,
	Who plays? Participation rates and trends
	Player development pathways
	The competitive structure
	Rugby development plans
	Where the game is played
	Facility issues
	Framework for facility provision
Step 1 (PDF 56Kb)	Why the facilities are needed, programmes and support
Step 2 (PDF 111Kb)	What facilities are needed?
Step 3 (PDF 108Kb)	Where are facilities needed? Local Criteria
Step 4 (PDF 28Kb)	When should facilities be provided? Criteria for development of facilities
	Criteria for development of facilities
	Facility strategy framework for Rugby Union in England
Step 5 (PDF 565Kb)	How can the Strategy be delivered?
	Conclusion
	Contacts and further reading
	Glossary