By Priscilla Jepchumba This new format is set to feature shorter halves, specific rules for ball possession, and uncontested drop-kicks to start and restart the

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is to roll out a new, non-contact form of the game in schools in a bid to arrest the decline in the sport at school level, the governing body said on Monday.

A non-contact version of rugby union will be played in schools to help the RFU manage a "decline in participation over injury fears".

The Rugby Football Union plans to introduce non-contact rugby union to schools in England to ensure the sport remains "fit for the 21st century".