The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has unveiled a new approach to under-13s rugby emphasising fun, equal opportunities and confidence-development.

Alongside commercial partner Old Mutual Wealth, the governing body has launched the Old Mutual Wealth Kids First blueprint, designed to put children between the ages of seven and 13 “at the heart of rugby activity at clubs and schools” across the country.

The scheme is part of the RFU’s wider Age Grade Rugby review, which will roll out the New Rules of Play in September following a 28-club pilot scheme. Clubs will now have to demonstrate the encouragement of fun on the pitch through equality and “realistic expectations”, and confidence and character development activities.

Adults will be expected to provide a “safe, healthy, respectful and enjoyable” environment for children which “champions rugby’s core values”.

Clubs and schools that sign up to deliver the initiative will be eligible for additional RFU resources put aside to help them run an improved programme based on “a range of high quality standards”.

RFU head of education development Mark Saltmarsh said Kids First was about “helping kids develop and learn the game at their own pace”.

“We’ve done a lot of research into this over the past few years, taking on feedback from kids themselves about what they want from rugby,” he added. “We’re confident this new approach will appeal to kids, parents, coaches and teachers alike, as it is based on kids’ motivations and developing their rugby at stages relevant to their age.”

England head coach Eddie Jones, flanked by England players Alex Goode and Sarah Hunter, took part in a coaching session with 60 youngsters at Grasshoppers RFC to inaugurate the scheme.

“It’s so important for players to develop core rugby skills from a young age – learning about passing and how to look for space,” said Jones. “I think this new approach will ensure that kids playing rugby get more opportunities and time on the ball.”