Rugbytots South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mauritius
Rugbytots South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mauritius
PROSPECTUS
The World’s Favourite Rugby Play Programme
Helping boys and girls aged 2 to 7 develop, grow in confidence, and fall in love with rugby since 2006.
Rugbytots was founded in 2006 by rugby-playing parent Max Webb, who simply could not find a pre-school rugby class for his three young boys. What started in a park in Surrey became the world’s most recognised rugby play programme, now operating in 20 countries on 6 continents with more than 350 franchisees and over 85,000 Rugbytots attending classes every week.
When people have fun, the process of learning, coaching, and working becomes more meaningful and memorable.
Fun First, Always
Every class balances rugby fundamentals with play, creativity, and confidence. Children who have fun learn faster — that is our core belief.
Structured Development
We meet key pre-school learning objectives — colour recognition, counting, socialising, and following instructions — all wrapped in a rugby context parents love.
Proven at Scale
350+ franchisees worldwide. Consistently rated 5-Star in independent franchisee satisfaction surveys.
Purpose-Led
Eco kits made from recycled plastic, community development, charity fundraising, and tree planting. We play for more than profit.
Built For South Africa
Operating here since 2011. We are not just running a programme in South Africa — we are building something that belongs here.
Two of SA’s most respected rugby names are hands-on franchise owners who believe in this programme from the inside.
“Rugby gave me everything. Rugbytots lets me give it back to the next generation in the best possible way. This business is more fulfilling than I ever expected, and the support is exceptional.”
“Watching a three-year-old score their first try with the biggest smile on their face — that is a completely different kind of joy. The programme is world-class and the business makes real sense.”
Born in Bulawayo and a former Zimbabwe national rugby and water polo player, Steed has been part of the global Rugbytots team since 2012. He oversees all SA, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius operations. You are never dealing with a call centre — you are dealing with someone who genuinely cares about your success.
Playing For More Than Points
Rugbytots SA is committed to leaving a positive mark on the communities and environment we operate in.
Recycle — Eco Kit
Our Rugbytots kits are 100% made from recycled plastic bottles in partnership with Scimitar Sports. Same durability, better conscience. All packaging is now fully recyclable with a move to compostable paper bags underway.
Reuse — Northern KZN
Old Rugbytots equipment gets a second life in communities that need it most. We recently equipped a large community in northern KwaZulu-Natal, a project funded by a supporter from Australia through the global Rugbytots network.
Revive — TREEvolution with Greenpop
Steed is a pledge partner with Greenpop, committing to plant a rugby-pitch-sized area of trees — 5,000 square metres — every year. We contribute R5 from every new booking and plant one tree per 30 new Rugbytots. Trees are planted in the Bodhi Khayi Nature Reserve, restoring degraded forest areas across South Africa.
Mandela Day
Every 18 July, we run free community development rugby classes — giving 67 minutes of coaching and joy to children who might otherwise never experience the game.
We raise funds and awareness for organisations that share our values — rugby, children, community, and resilience.
The Players Fund
Supporting current and former rugby players facing hardship, injury, or life transitions. Rugbytots SA is a proud named charity partner. We support this foundation through our fundraising activities and the community platform we have built across SA rugby families. Contributing to the foundation’s mission through events, community reach, and ongoing fundraising activities.
Wooden Spoon — Global
Our global network has raised over £1 million for Wooden Spoon, the UK’s leading rugby charity for children, through annual charity bike rides.
World-Class Franchise Support
You are in business for yourself — not by yourself. Here is what the Rugbytots system puts in your corner from day one.
Business Training — 16 Hours
Structured training covering set-up and launch planning, financial management, venue management, marketing, coach recruitment, and schools and nursery programmes. Delivered via Zoom or in person.
Coaching Training
Two structured training days, four weeks of buddy training with a nearby franchisee, coach certification, and 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up visits.
- 10,000 personalised leaflets from day one
- Pop-up banners, flag banners, and railing banners
- Social media posted four times per week, Facebook and Instagram
- National SEO and pay-per-click campaigns
- Party invites, nursery taster-session cards, and certificates
- Print-ready car graphics and branded letterheads
Bespoke Booking System
First in the industry to go fully online in 2007. Our custom-built system automates enrolments, communications, and reporting — so you spend time growing, not administering.
- Real-time dashboard — revenue, capacity, and bookings
- Automated birthday party and re-enrolment email flows
- Mass communication tools for your entire parent base
- Waitlist management and automated enrolment triggers
- Direct support from Steed Richardson for SA, Zimbabwe and Mauritius
- UK Head Office franchise veterans of 10 or more years
- Annual regional and national franchisee conferences
- Outsourced HR covering contracts, compliance, and policies
- Private franchisee community forums and knowledge base
What Our Franchise Owners Say
From rugby legends to young parents — real words about what this business means to them.
“Rugby gave me everything. Rugbytots lets me give it back to the next generation in the best possible way. This business is more fulfilling than I ever expected, and the support network is exceptional. If you love rugby and love kids — this is the opportunity you have been looking for.”
“Watching a three-year-old score their first try with the biggest smile on their face — that is a completely different kind of joy. The programme is world-class, the system works, and I wish I had started sooner.”
“Owning a Rugbytots franchise is a fantastic job. Helping children develop physically, grow in confidence, and stay healthy is immensely fulfilling. Buying a Rugbytots franchise was the best career move I have ever made.”
Rugbytots Worcester, UK
“We have been running our franchise since 2008 and have been amazed year-on-year at the increase in numbers. The support from Head Office and franchisees across the world has been invaluable.”
Rugbytots Edinburgh and Glasgow, UK
This is the world’s favourite rugby play programme. See your Investment Pack for the full financial picture.
Your Franchise Is Five Steps Away
Clear process. Quick decisions. No wasted time.
Complete the Application (Qualification Step)
Complete the form so we can confirm financial readiness, timing, and fit before we proceed.
Verification Call
A short call with Steed to confirm the basics: funding, involvement, territory, and launch timeline.
System Demo + Discovery Call
We walk you through the booking system and unpack your territory plan, marketing approach and launch execution.
Due Diligence
Visit a class or speak to an existing owner. This is where you validate the day-to-day reality.
Agreement + Launch Plan → Go Live
Sign the franchise agreement, complete pre-launch training, lock venues, run your Free Taster push, and launch classes.
COMPLETE THE Rugbytots APPLICATION FORM
Request THE Investment Pack for full financial details