Richmond Rugby are delighted to announce a new partnership with The John Fisher School in Purley, to support and develop their rugby programme and to offer students playing opportunities at the club.

With Richmond boasting five senior men's teams, including our First XV playing in the Men's Championship, the partnership will provide students who have aspirations to continue their rugby outside of school or university with an elite playing programme to develop and improve their game.

Director of rugby Steve Hill said: 'We are delighted to have established this partnership with the John Fisher School. This pairing will help ensure that when John Fisher rugby players leave school they know where to come to continue their development, realise their rugby ambitions and to thoroughly enjoy remaining involved in the wonderful game of rugby."

The school's head of rugby Tom Street said: "I am very excited about our new partnership with Richmond Rugby and how this will further develop our rugby programme at The John Fisher School.

"Richmond have an outstanding rugby programme, but what really impresses me is that although they play in the Men's Championship, they are very much a player-focussed club who cater for all levels.

"Our elite players will gain the opportunities to further develop their skill set within a Championship environment, which can lead to a potential pathway.

"Above all, at The John Fisher School we pride ourselves on creating well rounded young men and believe that this can be further developed at Richmond."

Richmond Rugby's head of community and Senior Saxons coach Dom Palacio will oversee the integration of The John Fisher School players into the Richmond Rugby playing programme.