Major sporting events have a unique ability to capture pupils' attention and inspire participation. As the Rugby League World Cup reaches its climax ahead of the finals on 15 November, schools have a valuable opportunity to introduce pupils to a sport built around teamwork, communication, movement and decision-making.
The good news is that pupils do not need to play a full-contact version of the game to experience the key skills that make rugby league so engaging. Through carefully designed non-contact activities, teachers can develop passing, support play, spatial awareness and teamwork while ensuring lessons remain inclusive and accessible.
Whether you're planning a one-off tournament-themed lesson or looking for fresh invasion-game activities, these five progressive challenges can help pupils experience the principles of rugby league in a fun and practical way.
Bring the Excitement of the Rugby League World Cup into School PE
Introduce passing, movement, teamwork and decision-making through progressive rugby league activities for primary and secondary pupils.
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Rugby League in Simple Terms
At its core, rugby league is about moving the ball towards the opposition's try line through effective teamwork, intelligent movement and accurate passing. Unlike many invasion games, players typically pass backwards while running forwards, meaning support play is essential throughout the game.
For schools, introducing rugby league does not need to involve tackling or physical contact. Small-sided, non-contact activities allow pupils to focus on the fundamental skills that underpin the sport while developing confidence and enjoyment.
When introducing rugby-based activities, use multiple small playing areas rather than one large game. This increases ball contact, reduces waiting time and allows every pupil to practise key skills repeatedly.
Five Rugby League Activities for School PE
Pass and Follow
Passing and supporting are two of the most important skills in rugby league. This simple activity introduces both concepts simultaneously.
How to Set Up
- Pupils work in pairs or groups of four.
- One pupil passes the ball.
- Immediately after passing, they move to a new supporting position.
- The receiving player repeats the sequence.
Progressions
- Begin stationary.
- Progress to walking.
- Introduce controlled jogging.
- Challenge pupils to identify the best support angle.
Learning Outcomes
Pupils learn to:
- Present their hands early.
- Communicate before receiving.
- Move after passing.
- Support teammates effectively.
This mirrors one of rugby league's key principles: the ball moves fastest when players support one another effectively.
Run Through the Gates
This activity develops agility, ball control and awareness of space.
How to Set Up
Create multiple gates around the activity area using pairs of cones.
Pupils travel through as many gates as possible while carrying a rugby ball before returning to their starting point.
Progressions
- Carry the ball using two hands.
- Change direction on command.
- Perform a pass after each gate.
- Introduce partner challenges.
Why It Works
Players in rugby league constantly scan the field and identify space. This activity encourages pupils to keep their heads up, make decisions and remain in control of the ball while moving.
Support Player Challenge
Support play often determines whether an attack succeeds or breaks down.
How to Set Up
Place pupils into groups of three:
- One ball carrier.
- Two support players.
The ball carrier moves around the playing area while support players maintain effective supporting positions.
At any point, the ball carrier can choose to pass.
Teaching Points
Encourage pupils to consider:
- Where should support players stand?
- How can they create passing options?
- What happens when support players stay too close or too far away?
Rotate roles regularly so every pupil experiences carrying, receiving and supporting.
Score a Try
Scoring a try is one of the most recognisable elements of rugby league and provides an excellent target-based activity for PE.
How to Set Up
- Mark several scoring zones using cones.
- Pupils receive a pass before entering the zone.
- The ball must be placed down under control.
Focus Areas
- Accurate passing.
- Controlled movement.
- Safe stopping.
- Decision-making.
- Teamwork.
Rather than encouraging speed alone, focus on technique and communication throughout the activity.
End-Zone Rugby
This small-sided game allows pupils to apply everything they have learned.
How to Play
Teams score by passing to a teammate positioned inside the opposition's end zone.
Adaptations
To suit different age groups and abilities:
- Prevent running with the ball.
- Require three passes before scoring.
- Ensure every player receives the ball before a point counts.
- Introduce a walking-only version.
Benefits
Small-sided games create more opportunities for:
- Ball contact.
- Decision-making.
- Communication.
- Teamwork.
They also ensure pupils remain actively engaged throughout the lesson.
Making Rugby League Accessible for Every Pupil
One of the advantages of non-contact rugby activities is how easily they can be adapted.
Simple modifications include:
- Using softer foam rugby balls.
- Reducing passing distances.
- Creating larger scoring zones.
- Allowing additional time to receive passes.
- Introducing walking versions of activities.
These changes help maintain challenge while ensuring more pupils can participate successfully.
Use the Tournament as a Learning Opportunity
The Rugby League World Cup provides more than just a sporting spectacle. It also offers opportunities for discussion and wider learning.
Teachers could ask pupils:
- What skills are important across all forms of rugby league?
- Why is communication important in team sports?
- How does teamwork influence performance?
- Which skills could transfer to other invasion games?
The tournament can help make learning feel more relevant while connecting PE lessons to real-world sporting events.
Equipment Checklist
For these activities, consider preparing:
- Rugby balls
- Foam rugby balls
- Tag belts
- Cones
- Marker spots
- Bibs
- Pitch markers
Using age-appropriate equipment can improve confidence, increase participation and support skill development.
Why Tournament-Themed PE Works
Sporting events can provide powerful motivation for participation. When pupils see elite athletes competing on a global stage, they often become more curious about the sport itself.
The Rugby League World Cup offers teachers a timely opportunity to introduce new activities while reinforcing core PE outcomes such as movement, teamwork, communication and tactical awareness.
Even a single rugby-themed lesson can help pupils develop confidence, cooperation and a greater understanding of invasion games.
Final Takeaway
You do not need a full rugby pitch or contact-based activities to bring rugby league into your PE lessons.
By focusing on passing, movement, support play and teamwork, teachers can create engaging lessons that capture the excitement of the Rugby League World Cup while developing transferable skills that apply across a wide range of sports.
As the tournament builds towards the finals on 15 November, now is the perfect time to introduce pupils to one of the world's most exciting team sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rugby league be taught without contact?
Yes. Passing drills, support-play activities, end-zone games and tag-based activities allow pupils to develop rugby league skills without tackling or physical contact.
What rugby ball should beginners use?
A correctly sized rugby ball or softer introductory foam rugby ball can make catching and passing more manageable for younger or less experienced pupils.
How can I involve a full class in rugby activities?
Use multiple small grids and small-sided teams. This increases participation, gives pupils more touches of the ball and reduces waiting time.
Is tag rugby suitable for primary schools?
Yes. Tag rugby provides an excellent introduction to invasion-game skills such as passing, movement, communication and teamwork without the need for tackling.
Ready to Bring Rugby League into Your PE Lessons?
Use the excitement of the Rugby League World Cup to introduce passing, support play and teamwork through engaging, non-contact activities suitable for pupils of all abilities.
Shop school rugby, tag and pitch-marking equipment for your next lesson.
