Steve Grainger, Executive Director of Rugby Development

Steve Grainger joined the RFU in June 2011 from his CEO position with the Youth Sport Trust (YST).

A leading expert in sport development, he had huge success in building the YST into a vital part of the sport infrastructure over his six years as Chief Executive.

Overall, he had 16 years’ experience working with a range of national governing bodies at the YST and prior to that spent three years at the National Coaching Foundation, having started his career in sports development and management in Mansfield District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

In 2007, he was awarded an MBE for his contribution to school sports.

Steve’s role has responsibility for all grassroots rugby development, ensuring that the nation’s clubs, colleges, universities and schools have the capacity and capabilities to help grow rugby.

He oversees the club and Constituent Body services team as well as the RFU’s school and university programmes.

He also leads the RFU’s volunteer programme and the hugely successful Facilities and Funding programme.