THE RUGBYTOTS STORY

How we became the world’s favourite rugby play programme

FROM LOCAL PARK TO GLOBAL BUSINESS!

Max Webb, a rugby-playing parent, was trying to find a pre-school rugby class for his three young boys… but back in 2006 there was nothing of that kind around.

It quickly became clear that he wasn’t the only parent looking for a rugby play programme for younger children. What he’d spotted was a very exciting gap in the child development sector.

Seizing the opportunity to start his own business – and fulfil his wish of involving his boys in rugby at a fun and accessible level – Max founded Rugbytots.

(You can listen to Max talk about his past and the development and future of Rugbytots on The Drive Phase podcast.)

Max Webb, Founder, Rugbytots

Rugbytots rugby ball2006

Our first trial classes take place in Reigate

Scotland flag2008

1st franchise launched (Edinburgh)

Rugbytots 5 Franchisees milestone graphic2009

Our first franchisee milestone!

Ireland and South Africa flags2011

Ireland and South Africa Launched

Italy, France and Australia flags2012

Italy, France and Australia launched

Rugbytots 50 Franchisees milestone graphic2013

Another franchisee milestone

Rugbytots' Arty mascot on his bike2019

Our 3rd charity bike ride (£900K raised to date)

Rugbytots 350 Franchisees milestone graphic2020

A huge franchisee milestone!

Rugbytots children2023

85,000th Rugbytot joins us!

Rugbytots rugby ball2006

Our first trial classes take place in Reigate

Scotland flag2008

1st franchise launched (Edinburgh)

Rugbytots 5 Franchisees milestone graphic2009

Our first franchisee milestone!

Ireland and South Africa flags2011

Ireland and South Africa Launched

Italy, France and Australia flags2012

Italy, France and Australia launched

Rugbytots 50 Franchisees milestone graphic2013

Another franchisee milestone

Rugbytots' Arty mascot on his bike2019

Charity bike ride (£900K raised to date)

Rugbytots 350 Franchisees milestone graphic2020

A huge franchisee milestone!

Rugbytots children2023

85,000th Rugbytot joins us!

The growing world of Rugbytots

You can now find Rugbytots in 20 countries on 6 continents!

  • Argentina

  • Australia

  • Canada

  • China

  • France

  • Hong Kong
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Mauritius
  • New Zealand
  • Portugal
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • UAE
  • UK
  • USA
  • Turkey
  • Zimbabwe
World map showing countries in which Rugbytots takes place

What makes us tick

Four of the ways Rugbytots stands apart from the pack

1. WE MAKE EVERYTHING MORE FUN…

Whether you’re a young Rugbytot, a parent or you’re working with us as a franchisee, coach or member of our Head Office team, our aim has always been to make it more fun.

From the very start, we’ve believed that when people have fun, the process of learning, coaching, working or even just joining in from the side-lines becomes more meaningful and memorable.

So, while we’re serious about what we do, we are even more serious about doing it with a smile, passion and good humour!

2. WE’RE FOREVER LOOKING FORWARD…

We’ve always worked hard to be innovative and push the boundaries of what an exceptional pre-school class should entail. We continually invest in kit and equipment that’s designed to our own specifications.

We developed our ‘fun first’ programme to promote core rugby principles while meeting important pre-school learning objectives such as colour, number and body-part recognition; counting; socialising; following instructions; and using imagination.

All of this combines to make Rugbytots a truly distinctive experience – and one that we are always aiming to make even better.

3. WE’VE SOME VERY COOL FRIENDS…

We partner with a range of select brands to offer discounts, prizes and co-branded products to Rugbytots members. Current partners include Crew Clothing Company, and Scimitar Sports (who also make our eco-friendly children’s Rugbytots kit and the super-comfortable new kit for our coaches).

Rugbytots kit

4. WE LOVE TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK…

We’ve always been passionate about using our business to benefit others. For example, since 2014 we’ve been supporting Wooden Spoon, a charity using rugby to help disadvantaged or disabled children and young people.

Wooden Spoon logo

Our challenging yet hugely popular charity bike rides are big fundraisers. Our 2023 ride should see the lifetime total of our charitable donations top the £1 million mark.

LET’S KICK THINGS OFF!

Get the full lowdown on owning a Rugbytots franchise (including investment and location options) by ordering your Rugbytots Franchisee Prospectus. Or, if you would like to discuss things in more detail, book a friendly call or Zoom with our founder, Max Webb.
Rugbytots Franchisee Prospectus
Rugbytots' mascot Arty kicking a ball

Owning a Rugbytots franchise is a fantastic job. Helping children to develop physically, grow in confidence and stay healthy is immensely fulfilling and great fun too. I now get to spend far more time with my own children and the business decisions I make fit around me and my family.

Mike Stevens, Franchisee, Rugbytots WorcesterMike Stevens, Rugbytots Worcester

We have been running our franchise since 2008. Back then, we did not know the full growth potential of this business and have been amazed year-on-year at the increase in numbers! 

Kirsty McWilliam, Franchisee, Rugbytots Edinburgh & GlasgowKirsty McWilliam, Rugbytots Edinburgh & Glasgow

I have friends who run other types of franchise and it seems the support I get from head office is unrivalled. I personally love it, and now I am really starting to see the fruits of the labour I invested in the first couple of years.

Lizzie Smith, Franchisee, Rugbytots London North EastLizzie Smith, Rugbytots London North East

Rugbytots has literally changed my life and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to run my own franchise. I love rugby, love being my own boss and love seeing the children and parents get so much from the classes we run. The fact I can make a living doing this is a bonus.

Larry Kretzman, Franchisee, Rugbytots SuffolkLarry Kretzmann, Rugbytots Suffolk

Rugbytots is a great brand and a great product which children and parents love. Buying a Rugbytots Franchise was the best career move I’ve ever made.

Mike Stevens, Franchisee, Rugbytots WorcesterMike Stevens, Rugbytots Worcester

While the franchise requires hard work and drive to really make a success of it, the online systems, on-going training and support from Head Office make it easier. We love it and look forward to the years ahead!

Kirsty McWilliam, Franchisee, Rugbytots Edinburgh & GlasgowKirsty McWilliam, Rugbytots Edinburgh & Glasgow

Taking a Rugbytots franchise just before a global pandemic wasn’t the best timing, but seeing how the company pulled together to come out the other side in such a strong position was very inspiring!

Lizzie Smith, Franchisee, Rugbytots London North EastLizzie Smith, Rugbytots London North East
This website is all about becoming a Rugbytots franchisee. If you are looking for details of Rugbytots classes and want to find and book one near you, please pop over to our main site.