Out of Age Grade Approval
RFU Regulation 15 – Age Grade Rugby
Staffordshire Rugby is committed to ensuring that young players enjoy rugby in a safe, inclusive and appropriate environment.
Players should normally train and compete within their designated age grade, alongside their peers. However, RFU Regulation 15 permits certain exceptions, subject to appropriate assessments, safeguarding requirements and approval.
These arrangements cover Playing Up, Playing Down, Combining Age Grades and Playing Adult Rugby at 17.
1. Playing Up – Regulation 15.4
Individual players may be permitted to play one or two age grades above their normal age group, where permitted by the RFU regulations.
Before approval is granted:
The player’s suitability, physical development, ability and welfare must be assessed.
The appropriate parental, club and Constituent Body approvals must be obtained.
The proposed age-grade movement must comply with the relevant RFU conditions.
Permission must be obtained before the player participates outside their normal age grade.
2. Playing Down – Regulation 15.5
Playing down is permitted only in specific circumstances, including where a player’s academic year differs from their normal age grade or where their physical, medical or developmental circumstances justify an exception.
Applications must be supported by an appropriate assessment and the required approvals.
Playing down is not a means of addressing team shortages or providing additional playing opportunities.
Where permission is granted, the player must remain in the approved lower age grade for the remainder of the season.
3. Playing Adult Rugby at 17 – Regulation 15.6
Players who have reached their 17th birthday may be permitted to train and play in adult contact rugby, subject to RFU safeguarding requirements and formal approval.
This is a two-stage process:
Stage 1 – Club Approval
The club must obtain Staffordshire Rugby approval to include 17-year-olds in its adult men’s and/or women’s teams. This includes confirming appropriate safeguarding arrangements and the appointment of a Club Safeguarding Officer.
Stage 2 – Individual Player Approval
Once the club has been approved, each 17-year-old must be assessed individually to establish their suitability for adult rugby, including their physical development, playing ability and social and emotional maturity.
The individual application must be approved through the required club safeguarding and Constituent Body process.
Important: Players aged 17 must not train or play in the front row of a contested adult scrum. Additional restrictions apply to certain competitions and England pathway players.
4. Combining Age Grades – Regulation 15.2
The RFU also permits certain neighbouring age grades to combine where allowed by Regulation 15.
Combining differs from an individual player playing up or down and is subject to specific age-grade restrictions, player-number limits and approval requirements.
Clubs must follow the appropriate RFU combining process before participating.
Applications and Approval
Playing Up or Down
RFU Regulation 15 – Application Forms
Playing Adult Rugby at 17
Applications are completed through the RFU Game Management System (GMS), with separate club and individual player approvals.
All approvals must be obtained before a player participates outside their normal age grade.
For advice or assistance, please contact Age Grade Approvals Manager, Becky Williams or Boys Lead David Bagnall.
Further information: RFU Regulation 15 – Age Grade Rugby
Contacts
Age Grade Approvals Manager: Becky Williams