If you turn up to a rugby game for youngsters you’ll see that it is carefully designed to equip young players with the skills they need later in their rugby life, while sharing much of the excitement.

At this level it is not about winning and losing, it’s about getting time on the pitch with your pals, playing your very best, learning and having fun.

It is important to note that no child is forced into "contact", i.e., physical tackling, before they have been trained to do so properly, are confident to do so and have shown to their Coaches that they understand and can applying the principles so that they won't hurt themselves or others. Training for contact, i.e., physical tackling, etc., begins when the U8s are nearing the end of the season and then continues at U9.

There’s a game at every age level adapted exactly to the abilities and maturity of the children playing. The age group structure and player development requirements have been put together by the RFU, based on expert scientific research. In all cases, the structure is designed to meet the wants and needs of the young players and put the kids first.

Rugby helps children to understand teamwork, discipline and respect. These values are at the heart of the game especially respect: for the referee, the opposition and other members of your team. But most of all it’s about enjoyment and that’s why so many parents love it - almost as much as the kids!