Hosted by
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF ELITE SCHOOLBOY RUGBY
2026 – A landmark 40th anniversary festival
The Pinnacle of School Rugby
For 40 years, the National Schools Rugby Festival hosted at St Joseph’s College has been one of the standout occasions in the school rugby calendar, a fiercely contested tournament that has consistently brought together some of the best young talent in the game.
Established in 1987, the Festival has grown in stature year on year and every October it welcomes 16 leading rugby schools from across the UK and Ireland. Over four decades, it has built a reputation for high standards and as a tournament where names are made. Many of its alumni have progressed to the highest levels of the game, including international players such as Marcus Smith, Zach Mercer, Lewis Ludlam, Chris Robshaw and Mako Vunipola.
Now, as it marks its 40th year, the Festival moves into a new chapter.
A refreshed brand identity has been introduced, designed to honour its heritage while reflecting its continued evolution and ambition for the future. The 2026 Festival, taking place from 16–18 October, will not only celebrate a significant milestone in its history, it will signal the start of its next era.
Hosted by
Hosted by
The National Schools Rugby Festival unites the top state and independent school teams, offering young athletes a prestigious platform to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level of rugby.
The 40th Annual National Schools Rugby Festival
WHERE St Joseph’s College, Ipswich WHEN Fri 16–Sun 18 October 2026
PARTICIPANTS 16 schools from around the UK (U18, U15, U11)
Partnership Programme 2026
Partner with the UK’s premier schoolboy rugby event and showcase your brand to over 2 million engaged viewers across digital and live platforms. The National Schools Rugby Festival offers unparalleled exposure, premium networking, and a chance to align with the future stars of professional rugby. With sponsorship packages to suit every level, featuring highimpact branding, VIP hospitality, and digital reach, now is the perfect time to get involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your brand on a national stage.
GET INVOLVED
Contact us today: R.Gordon-Cocker@stjos.co.uk
640SCHOOLS HAVE COMPETED 12,000+ PLAYERS
150,000+ ATTENDEES SINCE 1987
50,000+ MINUTES OF RUGBY 14.3MILLION PEOPLE
A PROVEN STAGE FOR LEADING RUGBY SCHOOLS
Audience, Reach & Digital Impact
The St Joseph’s Rugby Festival is a proven launchpad for future stars like Marcus Smith and Jonathan Joseph. It brings together elite state and independent schoolboy teams, families, alumni and professional scouts, delivering premium exposure.
With a growing digital audience via live streaming and social media, it’s the perfect platform to connect with a passionate, rugby-driven community.
SOCIAL MEDIA VIEWS
1,200,000
LIVE STREAM VIEWS
156,000+
WEBSITE VISITORS PROGRAMME READERSHIP
25,000+
2,500+
FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY UPLIFT
• Increased media attention around milestone year
• Expanded live streaming coverage to three pitches across three full days
• Higher engagement across social platforms
Broadcast Partner: NextGenLive
NextGenLive have covered the ’Triple Crown’ of school rugby events:
• Rosslyn Park 7s
• Sedbergh Super 10s
• National Schools Rugby Festival (NSRF)
AUDIENCE
The platform delivers a premium ABC1 audience with a unique demographic mix of students, alumni and high-net-worth parents.
• Broadcast to 200,000+ engaged rugby fans
• Coverage across UK, South Africa, Ireland
• Growing markets: Australia, NZ, USA
• 16% YoY livestream growth
CORE AUDIENCE DISTRIBUTION:
UK (primary market)
South Africa (major secondary market)
Ireland
GROWING PRESENCE IN:
Australia
New Zealand
USA
This is a global rugby network across elite rugby nations
Partnership Opportunities
Choose from multiple packages designed to meet brand goals and budgets.
Headline Partner
∙ Main kit sponsorship on front of shirt
∙ 4 x pitch side advertising boards
∙ 1 x Live Stream Advertisement (multiple-plays)
∙ High frequency brand exposure across digital channels: website, livestreams & social channels Match commentary and interview mentions
∙ Festival programme advertising (Inside Front Cover & Back Page)
∙ Banners, and visibility in hospitality areas
∙ 10 x VIP tickets
Available from
£20,000
Kit Sleeve Sponsor
Logo featured on players’ sleeves – visible throughout matches, livestreams and photos. Your brand featured on the shirts of all ball boys and girls – high frequency brand exposure on and off camera. Available from £2,000
Warm-Up Top Sponsor
Branding on warm-up tops worn pre-match by all players.
The VIP Experience
Sponsors and guests enjoy access to the exclusive VIP Marquee:
• Prime viewing pitch side on Pitch 1
• Welcome breakfast & three-course lunch
• Private bar with table service
• Screens to view matches live from inside
• A perfect space to host clients or reward team members
Pitch side Advertising Boards
For the upcoming academic year 2026/2027
Strategic ad placement around the pitch
• Live-stream and in-person exposure all weekend
• Digital & Physical Brand Exposure
Available from £475
GET INVOLVED
We’re honoured to host one of the UK’s premier school sporting festivals, where your partnership not only elevates your brand but also supports meaningful charity work and sustainability initiatives. By supporting the National Schools Rugby Festival hosted at St Joseph’s College, whether through sponsorship or attendance, you are investing in an event that brings together excellence, tradition and a commitment to a better future. Secure your brand’s position in one of the UK’s foremost school sporting events. Contact us today: R.Gordon-Cocker@stjos.co.uk