Rugby has profoundly changed Seb’s life, thanks to Project Rugby sessions. Seb began his rugby journey three years ago through local charity Liberty Jamboree, an organisation supporting young people with SEND.
Initially shy and hesitant, Seb avoided running with the ball and rarely engaged with his teammates.
However, with the help of Leicester Tigers’ community coaches, who have been running Liberty’s weekly Project Rugby sessions alongside Lichfield Rugby Club, Seb has blossomed into a confident, enthusiastic player who is now a regular within the mixed-ability team.
The Tigers community coaches focused on building Seb’s confidence and encouraging him to embrace the game. Week by week, Seb began to feel more comfortable, arriving at sessions with a smile and proudly wearing his Tigers kit. Over time, his communication skills and confidence both on and off the pitch grew, something recognised by both his coach and his father.
Now, Seb not only runs with the ball but also scores tries with joy and supports his teammates, checking in on anyone who gets hurt.
Seb’s newfound confidence has extended beyond rugby. He’s now taking trips with Liberty to other countries, an experience that he returns from “buzzing”. His goal now is to play against other mixed-ability teams and participate in as many opportunities as possible. The encouragement from the Leicester Tigers community team, along with the support of his parents and teachers, has given Seb the chance to develop his skills, build friendships, and inspire others.
His story is a testament to how rugby can empower young people, fostering growth, connection, and the courage to embrace new challenges.
Seb’s story is just one of many inspiring stories that will be highlighted during Community Weekend in Round 7 of the Gallagher Premiership.
This special weekend celebrates the award-winning community programmes run by Premiership Rugby in collaboration with its ten clubs and club foundations. During the weekend each club will showcase their commitment to using rugby to change lives.
All clubs share close, meaningful connections with the communities they serve, and use rugby to inspire, uplift, and create positive opportunities for local people. Everyone is welcome in the rugby community and together offer support, build confidence, boost mental well-being, and create a true sense of belonging.
Project Rugby, delivered in partnership with Gallagher UK and the RFU, delivers fun, inclusive, non-contact sessions which help break down barriers to playing the sport with the aim of increasing participation, diversity and inclusion in the game. Community staff and professional coaches at each of Premiership Rugby’s club foundations work closely within their communities to deliver regular sessions designed to engage participants no matter their age, background or ability.
Speaking about the programme and Seb, Managing Director of the Gallagher UK Leicester office Georgia Leigh said: “It is brilliant to see how Project Rugby has helped Seb gain confidence on and off the pitch."
"His story reflects the important work that this initiative does in enriching the lives of young people and providing them with new opportunities. Project Rugby is playing a big role in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in the game and Gallagher is very proud to be part of that.”
Since its launch in 2017, Project Rugby has reached over 100,000 participants across England. By embracing rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, the programme has motivated countless young people to join local teams and reap the benefits of being involved in the sport.
