Prince William Youth Rugby: How to play Youth Tackle Rugby

Youth Tackle Rugby is for boys only, ages 11-15.  Younger players may play up one age group above their own, with the express permission of a parent/guardian, and with the coaches’ determination that they have the required skills, and phyical/emotional/mental maturity to play at that level.

Youth Tackle rugby is played with 11 players a side, under modified Laws of the Game (rules) to promote the control of play and safety, in consideration of players’ age, size, both physical and mental maturity, and the fact that most of them are rugby novices.  Both tacklers and ball carriers will be trained extensively on safe contact, what is permitted, and what is not.  For those players with football experience, there will be a period of "de-footballization," specifically with regard to the manner in which tackles are made, and what sort of football-style contact is not allowed.

Prince William Youth Rugby actively discourages the mindset of "the big hit."  The tackle in rugby is designed for only one thing: to bring a ball carrier to the ground so the ball will be released, with the opportunity to gain possession.  Slamming, spearing, lifting, one-arm shots, scrag/sling tackles and all contact above the line of the shoulders are strictly prohibited and will be dealt with immediately and strongly in training and in matches.

Our experience is that foul play is highly uncommon, with dangerous contact usually due to accident, or players forgetting their training or becoming carried away.  We recognize this and are proactive, in training and in matches, to keep this under control.