Following a four year review of rugby for under 18’s, led by the RFU, in consultation with a wide cross section of the game, the “new” Age Grade Rugby was rolled in September 2016. The RFU regulatons are reviewed and updated every year. Regulation 15 of the RFU regulations covers age grade rugby and the current regulation can be found on the RFU website
The Age Grade Rugby programme will be based on the principles of player centred, development driven and competition supported. The wants and needs of young people will be at its heart. It will put player enjoyment above all else to keep more young people enjoying the game for longer and into their adult years.
Mixed rugby will continue to be played up to and including U11 (school year 6) from U12 (start of secondary school Y7) boys and girls will not play mixed rugby and will follow a their own developmental pathways.
The girls age banding changed in the 2022-23 season junior girls and are now organised into four age group bandings U12 (school year 7), U14 (years 8 & 9), U16 (years 10 & 11) and U18 (years 12 & 13). more details can be found here: Girls Age Bands.
More information can be found on the RFU Website.
Playing out of age group
The RFU defines a child's age group by that child’s age at midnight on 31st August. In England player grouping is defined by age, not size or gender:
As a club we do not encourage playing out of age group and its is not as simple as “moving the child”. However in exceptional circumstances it may be allowed. The Player must be assessed by a qualified Coach and a report signed by the Coach and Parent and sent to the County Safeguarding Team for approval. A player playing out of Age must be reassessed every season, or sooner if felt appropriate.
If you're not sure what age group your child should be playing in just add 5 to your child’s School Year group. So Year 2 is Under 7’s and Year 9 is Under 14’s.
Mini Rugby (U6-U11)
For Boys and Girls in school year groups 1-6
Mini rugby is designed to introduce children to the basics of the game in a safe environment in line with their physical abilities and at their own pace — letting them run, chase, throw, catch and learn teamwork. Boys and girls play together on an equal footing. The club runs teams based on school years - this relates to a child’s age on the 1st September and the child remains in that age group for their youth rugby career.
U6, U7 & U8
These groups play non-contact “tag” rugby. The main aim is to develop the basic skills such as passing the ball backwards, catching a pass, running into space and of course, scoring tries. The players wear a belt with 2 velcro tags. A tackle is made when the opposition pull one of the tags off the ball carriers belt and calls “tag”. Once the ball carrier has been tagged they must attempt to stop immediately and pass the ball to another team member before reclaiming their tag, re-attaching it then continue with the game. There is no contact, tackling, scrums, line outs or kicking.
U9 - U11
U9 rugby introduces full tackles for the first time. The team sizes and the length of the game increases. More of the complexities of rucking, mauling, scrums and line outs are added each year, teams start to get bigger as do the size of the pitches.
Junior rugby (U12 - U18)
Structured for the U12’s to U18’s, the players evolve into a 15 a-side full contact games (15-a-side rugby will start at U14), putting into practice all the skills and techniques they have learned through the mini development programme. There are some key skills relating to scrummaging and line outs that are not permitted at the younger age groups but are reserved for adult rugby only.
The playing season
The season runs from the Sunday of the first full week in September through to the end of April. There will be training or competitions every Sunday morning (weather permitting) excluding Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. The fixtures are arranged and published in advance — see the relevant age group profile page or the Mini Fixtures page.
Changes at short notice will be advised by your team coach or team manager, Parent rep. Information may also be put out on to the website/Twitter and Facebook if there is sufficient time to do so.
Sunday Morning Coaching Sessions
Youth section coaching is on Sunday mornings between 10am and 12am, unless there is a fixture for the team. All mini fixtures and most Junior fixtures are arranged to be played between 10am and 12am on a Sunday morning.
Coaching is player centric and is always fun. It involves rugby handling skills, moves, non-contact games and for the older groups contact games. Safety of the children is paramount and all our coaches are DBS screened and have RFU approved coaching qualifications. New coaches are encouraged to go on a training course as soon as they can.
Parents are required to stay on the site during training. Refreshments are available in the clubhouse.
Sunday Fixtures
All age groups play fixtures and Rugby festivals against other local clubs. Fixtures are arranged in advance of the season both at home and away. There are also festivals and tournaments as well as an end of season tour (a long weekend) arranged if possible.
Parents can see the fixtures by looking at the relevant teams pages on the website and going to the fixtures section.
If your child has been chosen to play in a game and then becomes unavailable, you should let the team coach or team manager know as soon as possible so that a team selection can be made.
As a club we support the RFU's Half a Game initiative. This initiative is to ensure all children selected for a match day fixture play at least half a game. Click here if you want to learn more about the Half a Game initiative.
Age Group Specific Information
Click on the age group you are interested in to see a summary of the age group specific regulations.
This is the starting point of your child's rugby career and the goal is to make their introduction to the game and the club as enjoyable and energetic as possible.
Tag Rugby is a non-contact rugby game with the emphasis on FUN whilst playing sport. Over the season the aim is to develop basic skills of ball handling, running and evasion.
The game is suitable for both girls and boys.
| Format | Tag |
| School Year | 1 |
| Max Players | 4 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 20m x 12m |
| Ball size | 3 |
| Max minutes each half | 10 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 50 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 60 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | Try difference is 6 or more |
| Start / Restart | Free Pass |
| Tackle | No Tag only |
| Scrum | No |
| Lineout | No, restart with a free pass |
| Ruck | No |
| Maul | No |
| Offside Distance | Offside only occurs at the time of the tag where the offside line is through the centre of the ball except for the tagger for whom it is 1 metre further back. |
| Fend Off | No |
| Kicking from Hand | No |
| Kicking at Goal | No |
| Mark Permitted | No |
| Knock on | Play on |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | No |
| Knock on | Play on |
Age Specific Notes:
- Players not allowed to go to ground to score.
- Ball cannot be ripped from ball carrier.
| Format | Tag |
| School Year | 2 |
| Max Players | 4 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 20m x 12m |
| Ball size | 3 |
| Max minutes each half | 10 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 50 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 60 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | Try difference is 6 or more |
| Start / Restart | Free Pass |
| Tackle | No Tag only |
| Scrum | No |
| Lineout | No, restart with a free pass |
| Ruck | No |
| Maul | No |
| Offside Distance | Offside only occurs at the time of the tag where the offside line is through the centre of the ball except for the tagger for whom it is 1 metre further back. |
| Fend Off | No |
| Kicking from Hand | No |
| Kicking at Goal | No |
| Mark Permitted | No |
| Knock on | Play on |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | No |
| Knock on | Play on |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 1 |
Age Specific Notes:
- Players not allowed to go to ground to score.
- Ball cannot be ripped from ball carrier.
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
| Format | Tag |
| School Year | 3 |
| Max Players | 6 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 45m x 22m |
| Ball size | 3 |
| Max minutes each half | 10 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 50 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 60 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | Try difference is 6 or more |
| Start / Restart | Free Pass |
| Tackle | No Tag only |
| Scrum | No |
| Lineout | No, restart with a free pass |
| Ruck | No |
| Maul | No |
| Offside Distance | Offside only occurs at the time of the tag where the offside line is through the centre of the ball except for the tagger for whom it is 1 metre further back. |
| Fend Off | No |
| Kicking from Hand | No |
| Kicking at Goal | No |
| Mark Permitted | No |
| Knock on | Play on |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | No |
| Knock on | Free Pass |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 2 |
Age Specific Notes:
- Players are permitted to go to ground to score.
- Ball cannot be ripped from ball carrier.
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
Introduced at this age:
- Tackle. But no rucks, mauls lineouts or scrums.
| Format | Transitional Contact |
| School Year | 4 |
| Max Players | 7 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 60m x 30m |
| Ball size | 3 |
| Max minutes each half | 15 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 60 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 90 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | Try difference is 6 or more |
| Start / Restart | Free Pass |
| Tackle | Yes – including 3 second hold |
| Scrum | No |
| Lineout | No, restart with a free pass |
| Ruck | No |
| Maul | No |
| Offside Distance | Offside only at time of tackle. 1m from hindmost foot. |
| Fend Off | No |
| Kicking from Hand | No |
| Kicking at Goal | No |
| Mark Permitted | No |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | No |
| Knock on | Free Pass |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 3 |
Age Specific Notes:
- Players are permitted to go to ground to score.
- Ball cannot be ripped from ball carrier.
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
Introduced at this age:
- Uncontested scrum (nearest 3).
- Maul and Ruck and contest for the ball.
| Format | Transitional Contact |
| School Year | 5 |
| Max Players | 8 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 60m x 35m |
| Ball size | 4 |
| Max minutes each half | 15 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 60 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 90 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | Try difference is 6 or more |
| Start / Restart | Free Pass |
| Tackle | Yes including 3 second hold |
| Scrum | Nearest 3 uncontested |
| Lineout | No, restart with a free pass |
| Ruck | Yes, Limit of 1 supporting player |
| Maul | Yes, Limit of 1 supporting player |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. |
| Fend Off | No |
| Kicking from Hand | No |
| Kicking at Goal | No |
| Mark Permitted | No |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | No |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 4>/span> |
- Scrum half not permitted to run from base of scrum.
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
Introduced at this age:
- Defender can rip the ball from the carrier
- Contest for the ball 2v2
- Contested strike in the scrum
- Tactical kicking from hand and Kicking at restarts
- Free Kick
| Format | Transitional Contact |
| School Year | 6 |
| Max Players | 9 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 60m x 43m |
| Ball size | 4 |
| Max minutes each half | 20 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 70 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | Try difference is 6 or more |
| Start / Restart | Drop Kick (must travel at least 7 metres) |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | Nearest 3 Contest Strike only, no push Only hookers may strike for the ball |
| Lineout | No, restart with a free pass |
| Ruck | Yes, limit of 2 supporting players |
| Maul | Yes, Limit of 2 supporting players |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 7m from free kick. 7m from free pass. |
| Fend Off | No |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes. 'Fly hack' not permitted |
| Kicking at Goal | No |
| Mark Permitted | Yes - Anywhere on pitch. |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | No |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 5 |
Age Specific Notes:
- Defending scrum half must remain behind the scrum in the pocket made by the 2 props
- Scrum half must pass from the base of the scrum – May not run with the ball
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
Introduced at this age:
- 5 player scrum (nearest 5)
- No limit to numbers in ruck and maul
- Introduction of fend/hand off – (below armpit)
- 22m drop out
| Format | Transitional Contact |
| School Year | 7 |
| Max Players | 12 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 60m x 43m |
| Ball size | 4 |
| Max minutes each half | 20 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 70 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | Try difference is 6 or more |
| Start / Restart | Drop kick must travel at least 7m |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | Nearest 5, Contest strike only, no push. Only Hookers my strike for the ball. |
| Lineout | No, restart with a free pass |
| Ruck | Yes |
| Maul | Yes |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 7m from free kick. 7m from free pass. |
| Fend Off | Yes – below armpit |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes. 'Fly hack' not permitted |
| Kicking at Goal | No |
| Mark Permitted | Yes |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | No |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 6 |
Age Specific Notes:
- Continuation of the contested strike at the scrum
- Defending scrum half must not move beyond the tunnel
- Scrum half must pass from the base of the scrum – May not run with the ball
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
- Waterfall Tournament - Competitive playing programme where equal participation/progression is the emphasis. The outcome of your pool games are recorded to enable every team to advance to later rounds for an equal number of matches against similar level teams.
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Introduced at this age:
- 6 player fully contested scrum.
- Sin Bin 5 minutes.
- Scrum half may pass or run with the ball.
| Format | Transitional Contact |
| School Year | 8 |
| Max Players | 13 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 90m x 60m |
| Ball size | 4 |
| Max minutes each half | 25 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 80 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | points difference >50 |
| Start / Restart | Drop kick must travel at least 10m |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | 6 trained and willing. Contest strike and push. No number 8 pickup |
| Lineout | No, restart with a free pass |
| Ruck | Yes |
| Maul | Yes |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 10m from free kick. 10m from free pass. |
| Fend Off | Yes – below armpit |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes. incl. 'Fly hack' |
| Kicking at Goal | No |
| Mark Permitted | Yes |
| Drop Goal | Not Permitted |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | 5 minutes |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 7 |
Age Specific Notes:
- No.8 cannot pick up from scrum
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
- Waterfall Tournament - Competitive playing programme where equal participation/progression is the emphasis. The outcome of your pool games are recorded to enable every team to advance to later rounds for an equal number of matches against similar level teams.
Introduced at this age:
- Contested 8 player scrum.
- Uncontested Lineout. - see the RFU guidance here
- No.8 can pick and go from base of scrum.
| Format | Transitional Contact |
| School Year | 8 and 9 |
| Max Players | 15 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 100m x 70m |
| Ball size | 4 |
| Max minutes each half | 25 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 80 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | points difference >50 |
| Start / Restart | Drop kick must travel at least 10m |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | 8 trained and willing. Contest strike and push. Number 8 can pick up |
| Lineout | Yes, Uncontested * |
| Ruck | Yes |
| Maul | Yes |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, Ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 10m from free kick. 10m from Lineout. |
| Fend Off | Yes |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes |
| Kicking at Goal | Yes |
| Mark Permitted | Yes |
| Drop Goal | Permitted |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | 5 minutes |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 8 |
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
- Waterfall Tournament - Competitive playing programme where equal participation/progression is the emphasis. The outcome of your pool games are recorded to enable every team to advance to later rounds for an equal number of matches against similar level teams.
- Knockout Tournament - Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and dictates your progression to later knock-out rounds or decides your final standing. Usually includes a winners trophy.
Introduced at this age:
- Lineout lifting.
| Format | Contact |
| School Year | 10 |
| Max Players | 15 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 100m x 70m |
| Ball size | 5 |
| Max minutes each half | 30 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 90 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | points difference >50 |
| Start / Restart | Drop kick must travel at least 10m |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | 8 trained and willing. Contest strike and push |
| Lineout | Yes, Uncontested, lift permitted * |
| Ruck | Yes |
| Maul | Yes |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, Ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 10m from free kick. 10m from Lineout. |
| Fend Off | Yes |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes |
| Kicking at Goal | Yes |
| Mark Permitted | Yes |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | 6 minutes |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 9 |
Age Specific Notes:
- Lineout uncontested - see the RFU guidance here
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture- Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular- Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival- Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
- Waterfall Tournament- Competitive playing programme where equal participation/progression is the emphasis. The outcome of your pool games are recorded to enable every team to advance to later rounds for an equal number of matches against similar level teams.
- Knockout Tournament- Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and dictates your progression to later knock-out rounds or decides your final standing. Usually includes a winners trophy.
- League- Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and points are applied to dictate your position and final standing in the league table. Usually includes a winners trophy. May lead to a play off system to establish final champions.
* My understanding after talking to a RFU Coach Educator is that there is to be no contest in the air. Once the ball is caught and the catcher has 2 feet on the ground then a contest (maul) can begin.
Introduced at this age:
- Fully contested Lineout with lifting.
| Format | Contact |
| School Year | 11,12,13 |
| Max Players | 15 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 100m x 70m |
| Ball size | 5 |
| Max minutes each half | 35 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 90 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | points difference >50 |
| Start / Restart | Drop kick must travel at least 10m |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | 8 trained and willing, contest strike and push |
| Lineout | Yes, lift permitted |
| Ruck | Yes |
| Maul | Yes |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, Ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 10m from free kick. 10m from Lineout. |
| Fend Off | Yes |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes |
| Kicking at Goal | Yes |
| Mark Permitted | Yes |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | 7 minutes |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 9 |
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture- Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular- Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival- Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
- Waterfall Tournament- Competitive playing programme where equal participation progression is the emphasis. The outcome of your pool games are recorded to enable every team to advance to later rounds for an equal number of matches against similar level teams.
- Knockout Tournament- Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and dictates your progression to later knock-out rounds or decides your final standing. Usually includes a winners trophy.
- League- Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and points are applied to dictate your position and final standing in the league table. Usually includes a winners trophy. May lead to a play off system to establish final champions.
Visit our under 12 Girls team page
Introduced at this age:
- Scrum formed with nearest 5
- 22m drop out
| Format | Transitional Contact |
| School Year | 7 |
| Max Players | 12 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 60m x 43m |
| Ball size | 4 |
| Max minutes each half | 20 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 70 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | Try difference is 6 or more |
| Start / Restart | Drop kick must travel at least 7m |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | Nearest 5, Contest strike only, no push. Only Hookers my strike for the ball. |
| Lineout | No, restart with a free pass |
| Ruck | Yes |
| Maul | Yes |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 7m from free kick. 7m from free pass. |
| Fend Off | Yes – below armpit |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes. 'Fly hack' not permitted |
| Kicking at Goal | No |
| Mark Permitted | Yes |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | No |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 6 |
Age Specific Notes:
- Scrum half must pass from base of scrum, not permitted to run with it.
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
- Waterfall Tournament - Competitive playing programme where equal participation/progression is the emphasis. The outcome of your pool games are recorded to enable every team to advance to later rounds for an equal number of matches against similar level teams.
The girls under 14 age band include players from U13 and U14. Visit our under 14's Girls team page
Introduced at this age:
- Uncontested Lineout with lifting.
| Format | Transitional Contact |
| School Year | 8, 9 |
| Max Players | 15 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 100m x 70m |
| Ball size | 4 |
| Max minutes each half | 25 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 80 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | points difference >50 |
| Start / Restart | Drop kick must travel at least 10m |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | Contested 8 player scrum – the No.8 can pick up the ball from the back of the scrum |
| Lineout | Yes, Uncontested |
| Ruck | Yes |
| Maul | Yes |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, Ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 10m from free kick. 10m from Lineout. |
| Fend Off | Yes |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes |
| Kicking at Goal | Yes |
| Mark Permitted | Yes |
| Drop Goal | Permitted |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | 5 minutes |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 8 |
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
- Waterfall Tournament - Competitive playing programme where equal participation/progression is the emphasis. The outcome of your pool games are recorded to enable every team to advance to later rounds for an equal number of matches against similar level teams.
- Knockout Tournament - Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and dictates your progression to later knock-out rounds or decides your final standing. Usually includes a winners trophy.
The girls under 16 age band include players from U15 and U16. Visit our under 16's Girls team page
Introduced at this age:
- Fully contested Lineout with lifting.
| Format | Contact |
| School Year | 10, 11 |
| Max Players | 15 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 100m x 70m |
| Ball size | 5 |
| Max minutes each half | 35 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 90 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | points difference >50 |
| Start / Restart | Drop kick must travel at least 10m |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | 8 trained and willing, contest strike and push |
| Lineout | Yes, lift permitted |
| Ruck | Yes |
| Maul | Yes |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, Ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 10m from free kick. 10m from Lineout. |
| Fend Off | Yes |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes |
| Kicking at Goal | Yes |
| Mark Permitted | Yes |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | 6 minutes |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 9 |
Age Specific Notes:
- Lineout uncontested - see the RFU guidance here
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture- Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular- Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival- Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
- Waterfall Tournament- Competitive playing programme where equal participation/progression is the emphasis. The outcome of your pool games are recorded to enable every team to advance to later rounds for an equal number of matches against similar level teams.
- Knockout Tournament- Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and dictates your progression to later knock-out rounds or decides your final standing. Usually includes a winners trophy.
- League- Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and points are applied to dictate your position and final standing in the league table. Usually includes a winners trophy. May lead to a play off system to establish final champions.
The girls under 18 age band include players from U17 and U18. Visit our under 18's Girls team page
Introduced at this age:
- Fully contested Lineout with lifting.
| Format | Contact |
| School Year | 12, 13 |
| Max Players | 15 a side |
| Max Pitch Size | 100m x 70m |
| Ball size | 5 |
| Max minutes each half | 35 |
| Maximum minutes of match play per day | 90 minutes |
| Extra Time Permitted | No |
| Recommended training time duration | 120 minutes |
| Match stopped if: | points difference >50 |
| Start / Restart | Drop kick must travel at least 10m |
| Tackle | Yes |
| Scrum | 8 trained and willing, contest strike and push |
| Lineout | Yes, lift permitted |
| Ruck | Yes |
| Maul | Yes |
| Offside Distance | Hindmost foot at tackle, Ruck and Maul. 5m from scrum. 10m from free kick. 10m from Lineout. |
| Fend Off | Yes |
| Kicking from Hand | Yes |
| Kicking at Goal | Yes |
| Mark Permitted | Yes |
| Yellow Card / Sin Bin | 7 minutes |
| Knock on | Scrum |
| Rules of Play | Regulation 15 Appendix 9 |
Competition formats allowed:
- Friendly Fixture - Competitive style playing opportunity for two teams, often as part of a club or school/college block fixture, where focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment.
- Triangular - Competitive style playing opportunity for three teams where equal player participation is the emphasis. Focus is on maximising all your player’s involvement, development and enjoyment rather than the score.
- Festival - Competitive round-robin playing opportunity where equal team and player participation is the emphasis. Scores may be recorded but winning doesn’t affect your ongoing participation as every team plays the same appropriate number of matches.
- Waterfall Tournament - Competitive playing programme where equal participation/progression is the emphasis. The outcome of your pool games are recorded to enable every team to advance to later rounds for an equal number of matches against similar level teams.
- Knockout Tournament - Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and dictates your progression to later knock-out rounds or decides your final standing. Usually includes a winners trophy.
- League - Competitive playing programme where the outcome of the game is recorded and points are applied to dictate your position and final standing in the league table. Usually includes a winners trophy. May lead to a play off system to establish final champions.
Find Out More
To find out more please contact
For U6 - U11 - eMail: mini.manager@hwrufc.com
For U12 - U18 Boys - eMail: junior.manager@hwrufc.com
For U12 - U18 Girls - eMail: girls@hwrufc.com
