Programme: January 2026
TONBRIDGE SCHOOL RUGBY FESTIVAL
TONBRIDGE ONLY CONNECT
I am delighted to welcome you to the 2026 Tonbridge Rugby Festival. This year we have the pleasure of hosting 15 robust rugby-playing schools, competing across three age groups.
As we celebrate the twelfth year of The Tonbridge School Rugby Academy, it is remarkable to reflect on this chapter of School Rugby. The Academy works to develop links with prep schools through the offering of holiday courses, as well as group and individual coaching sessions. Over the years, these sessions have ensured the highest standard of coaching is delivered to Tonbridge students and the wider community. They have also allowed prep school boys to experience a taste of life at Tonbridge before they go on to join the School in the Novi.
The Academy has established working relationships with England Rugby, Harlequins RFC, Saracens, Kent Schools Rugby and The Magic Academy.
This event would not be possible without the hard work of the School’s Ground Staff. We would like to extend a very big thank you to the team, as well as to all referees, helpers, medical providers and Tonbridge staff for their help today.
We hope you have an enjoyable day, whether you are here to play, coach or spectate. I am excited to see how the games unfold!
With best wishes
Rhys Crane Director of Rugby
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Registration
Please ensure all coaches have registered inside the Cricket Pavilion upon arrival. A representative from each prep school can collect the lunches for their team at this time.
Changing Facilities
Players can get changed inside the Cricket Pavilion changing rooms. Please note that personal belongings are left at your own risk.
Toilets
Players and staff may use the toilets inside the Cricket Pavilion. Spectators may use the toilets at the Tonbridge Sports Centre or external to the Cricket Pavilion.
Refreshments
Refreshments are available throughout the day for spectators from inside the Cricket Pavilion. A packed lunch is provided for all players.
Medical
Medical cover is provided by MedEvent.
Etiquette
Please remember that this event is fun, friendly and for children. We ask that you remain respectful and kindly show your support for all participants. Please avoid encroaching onto the pitches.
Teams
Bickley Park School
Broomwood Boys School
Dulwich Prep & Senior School
Hazelwood School
Highfield School
Hilden Grange School
Holmewood House School
Hornsby House School
King’s House School
Littlegarth School
St Michael’s Prep School
Yardley Court, Somerhill
The Hawthorns School
The New Beacon
Thomas’s Fulham
Please scan the QR code to access the draw for all age groups, as well as live score updates and results.
FESTIVAL RULES
A Coaches and Officials Briefing will take place at 11.15am outside the Cricket Pavilion before the tournament commences.
Festival Rules for all age groups
Normal Rugby rules will apply, except; Roll on roll off substitutes at break in play.
1-minute half-times
3 points for a win, 2 points for a score draw and 1 point for a 0 – 0 draw.
Should teams end with the same number of points at the end of the league stage:
• The winner is deemed to be the team who won their encounter in the league stage.
• If this still cannot separate the sides (in corresponding order below):
• Team scoring most tries.
• The points difference.
Under 9s
The key elements of the Under 9s Rules of Play are as follows:
• 6x10-minute Round Robin League matches, rolling schedule.
• All teams play one another
• The key elements of the Under 9s Rules of Play are:
• Team size: a maximum of 7-a-side
• Ball size: 3
• Introduction of the tackle only. No rucks, mauls, lineouts or scrums
Under 10s
The key elements of the Under 10s Rules of Play are as follows:
• 2 x Group Stage Matches followed by 2 x Cup, Plate, or Bowl Matches
• All matches are 15-minutes
• 1st place in Group = Cup
• 2nd Place in Group = Plate
• 3rd place in Group = Bowl
• The key elements of the Under 10s Rules of Play are:
• Team numbers: a maximum of 8-a-side
• Ball size: 4
• Introduction of the uncontested scrum
• Nearest three players in a scrum (all players trained, late specialisation)
• Contest for the ball (1 player vs. 1 player)
• Introduction of maul
• Introduction of ruck
Under 11s
The key elements of the Under 11s Rules of Play are as follows:
• 5x10-minute Group Stage matches, followed by 1x15 minute Placement Match (1st Group A vs 1st Group B, etc)
• If scores are tied in at end of placements matches - 5 minutes extra time - Golden Point. Following that, previous rules apply.
• The key elements of the Under 11s Rules of Play are:
• Team numbers: a maximum of 9-a-side
• Ball Size: 4
• Introduction of the contested strike
• Nearest 3 players in a scrum (all players trained, late specialisation)
• Contest for the ball (2 players v 2 players)
• Introduction of tactical kicking and kicking restartsspecialisation)
Sportsmanship
Criticism of referees by players, coaches or parents will not be tolerated. Should any player demonstrate a lack of respect towards a referee, his coach will be asked to replace him immediately.
Presentations will take place outside of the Cricket Pavilion following the conclusion of the final match of the day.
PITCH MAP
