Cornwall College Group Appoints UK’s First College-Based School Rugby Manager

Groundbreaking role launched in Camborne

Rugby is officially returning to Cornwall College Group (CCG), with the appointment of the UK’s first further education college-based School Rugby Manager (SRM). The role, announced this week, is a joint move by the England RFU, Cornish Pirates, and CCG, and marks a significant shift in how rugby is introduced and grown across the country’s state schools.

CCG Chief Executive Officer Rob Bosworth said:

“We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Cornish Pirates and the RFU to deliver this landmark role. Not only is it the return of rugby to Cornwall College Group, it also highlights our mission to deliver life changing education and enrich the local communities we serve.
We are extremely excited rugby is coming back to Camborne and look forward to further investments in developing rugby facilities at the site for our students and local community partners.”

A major step in a national programme

The new role is part of a wider three-year programme from the RFU, aiming to bring rugby to 800,000 young people, expand into 5,000 new state schools, and build stronger links with local clubs. The idea is to embed rugby into the heart of school and community life.

Peter Chapman, England Colleges RFU Hon Sec, said:

“The RFU, Cornwall College Group and The Cornish Pirates are pleased to appoint the first ‘School Rugby Manager’ to be based in a Further Education College and look forward to working across local primary and secondary schools in the region to introduce the game of rugby and develop opportunities for the young people of Cornwall to become involved and participate in the game.”

Cornish Pirates fully on board

Cornish Pirates CEO Sally Petipher welcomed the partnership and its long-term ambitions.

“Pirates may be a top-level professional rugby club, but every one of our players, coaches and support staff (myself included) started as a young hopeful.
We intend to foster more talent across Cornwall so that boys and girls, men and women, can become professionals in our wonderful game. This partnership gives a clear pathway to that ambition.”

Meet the new School Rugby Manager

Lee Missons has been appointed to the new SRM role and says he’s excited to get started.

“I’m looking forward to delivering high-quality rugby coaching to new groups of children across the county’s schools.
This collaboration is about more than just sport—it’s about inspiring young people, building confidence, and fostering teamwork through rugby and I can’t wait to see the positive impact this partnership will bring.”

The role, partly funded by the RFU, focuses on primary and secondary state schools that are new to rugby. Lee will work to connect schools with local clubs, support young leaders, and help teachers deliver rugby confidently and sustainably.

Cornwall College Group is the first FE provider in the country to take on one of these roles, putting Camborne at the centre of a national push to grow the game and its values.

📷 (LtR) Luke Bazeley, Peter Chapman, Lee Missons, Sally Petipher and Rob Bosworth.