Age Grade Rugby in Staffordshire

Enjoy the Game. Develop Your Skills. Stay in Rugby.

Age Grade Rugby is where the rugby journey begins for thousands of young people across Staffordshire.

From their first experience of Mini Rugby to playing for their club at U18, we want every young person to have the opportunity to enjoy rugby, develop their skills, make friendships and remain involved in the game.

Staffordshire Rugby works alongside our affiliated clubs, schools and the RFU to support the development of boys’ and girls’ rugby throughout the county.

Our priority is not simply to introduce young people to rugby, but to provide positive experiences and opportunities that encourage them to stay in the game.

Mini Rugby – U7 to U11

Mini Rugby introduces boys and girls to the game in a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment.

At these ages, boys and girls play together, learning the fundamental skills of rugby through age-appropriate activities and games.

The emphasis is on:

• Enjoyment, participation and making friends.

• Developing confidence, teamwork and basic rugby skills.

• Learning rugby’s core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship (TREDS).

• Giving every child the opportunity to participate and develop.

Staffordshire Rugby supports Mini Rugby through club activities and county festivals, providing opportunities for young players to enjoy rugby alongside children from other clubs.

The priority at these ages is enjoyment and development, not simply winning matches.

Boys’ Rugby – U12 to U18

From U12, boys’ rugby progresses through the age grades, with players developing their technical skills, understanding of the game and confidence.

Staffordshire clubs provide opportunities for boys to participate in regular training, matches and age-appropriate competitions.

Staffordshire Rugby supports this development through:

• County competitions and playing opportunities.

• Developmental competition formats appropriate to different age groups.

• Support for clubs facing challenges with player numbers.

• Opportunities for clubs to work together to keep young people playing.

• Representative rugby opportunities where available.

As players progress through U16 and into Colts rugby, increasing attention is given to helping them make a successful transition towards adult rugby.

Our aim is to ensure that young players continue to have meaningful opportunities to play, whatever the size of their club or squad.

Girls’ Rugby – U12 to U18

Girls’ rugby is an important and growing part of the game in Staffordshire.

Following mixed Mini Rugby, girls’ rugby provides opportunities to develop and compete through the established U12, U14, U16 and U18 age bands.

Staffordshire Rugby works with clubs to support girls’ participation, helping to develop sustainable teams and create more opportunities to play.

This includes:

• Supporting the recruitment and retention of girls.

• Encouraging cooperation between clubs where player numbers are limited.

• Providing county competitions and development opportunities.

• Supporting appropriate pathways through the age grades.

• Helping players progress towards women’s rugby.

Our ambition is for girls across Staffordshire to have the same positive experiences, opportunities and sense of belonging that we want for every young rugby player.

More Girls Playing. More Opportunities. Stronger Clubs.

Rugby in Schools

Schools play an important role in introducing young people to rugby, often providing their first experience of the game.

Staffordshire Rugby supports the development of links between schools and local rugby clubs, helping young people discover opportunities to continue playing outside school.

Working alongside the RFU’s schools development programmes, this includes encouraging participation through accessible formats such as T1 Rugby, which provides a non-contact introduction to the game.

Strong school-to-club relationships can help clubs welcome new players while giving young people opportunities to develop their interest in rugby.

Our focus is on supporting those connections and helping turn an introduction to rugby into longer-term participation.

Festivals, Competitions and Representative Rugby

Festivals and competitions provide opportunities for young players to enjoy rugby, test their developing skills and experience playing against other clubs.

Staffordshire Rugby organises and supports a programme of Age Grade playing opportunities, including:

• Mini Rugby festivals.

• Boys’ Age Grade competitions.

• Girls’ Age Grade competitions.

• Developmental formats designed to encourage participation.

• County representative rugby opportunities.

Competition structures are designed to reflect the age and stage of the players, recognising that their needs and experiences change as they progress through rugby.

Details of current competitions, fixtures, regulations and representative rugby opportunities are available through the relevant sections of the Staffordshire Rugby website.

Keeping Young People Playing Rugby

Recruitment is important. Retention is just as important.

One of the challenges facing rugby is ensuring that young people continue playing as they grow older, particularly when clubs experience changing player numbers or players move between age groups.

Staffordshire Rugby is committed to working with clubs to find practical solutions that help young people remain involved.

This may include:

• Encouraging clubs to cooperate where squad numbers are limited.

• Supporting permitted team combinations and alternative playing opportunities.

• Developing competition formats that provide meaningful rugby.

• Helping clubs support players moving from U16 into U18 rugby.

• Improving the transition from U18 rugby into adult men’s and women’s rugby.

• Listening to clubs and responding to the challenges they face.

Not every club will have sufficient players to field a team at every age grade. Our approach is to encourage cooperation and explore opportunities that allow young people to continue playing.

The objective is simple: fewer young people leaving rugby because there is nowhere suitable for them to play.

Age Grade Regulations and Player Welfare

The safety, wellbeing and development of young players must remain central to Age Grade Rugby.

All Age Grade Rugby in Staffordshire is governed by the relevant RFU regulations, including Regulation 15 – Age Grade Rugby, which sets out the framework for participation, age grades and permitted variations.

Clubs, coaches, parents and volunteers should familiarise themselves with the requirements relevant to their age groups.

Staffordshire Rugby also provides guidance on:

• Playing outside your normal age grade.

• Safeguarding children and young people.

• RugbySafe and player welfare.

• Concussion awareness and safe return to rugby.

Useful RFU guidance

RFU Regulation 15 – Age Grade Rugby

RFU Player Welfare

RFU RugbySafe

Clubs should always refer to the latest RFU guidance and applicable competition regulations.

Supporting Age Grade Rugby in Staffordshire

Staffordshire Rugby’s Age Grade activities are supported through our Management Team, working alongside clubs, volunteers, coaches and RFU colleagues.

Our work includes supporting Mini Rugby, boys’ and girls’ participation, competitions, club development and the transition into adult rugby.

We encourage clubs to share ideas, raise challenges and work together to create more opportunities for young people.

Whether you are a parent looking for a club, a young person wanting to try rugby, or a volunteer helping to develop your club’s Age Grade section, Staffordshire Rugby is here to support you.

Enjoy the Game. Develop Your Skills. Stay in Rugby.