Age Grade Rugby ensures that every player is able to enjoy rugby in a safe environment where they can develop their personal and social skills as well as a wide array of transferable multi-sports skills. This results in their holistic development as well as their life long involvement in rugby and other sports.

Age Grade Rugby is the game for all players aged 6 – 18 in clubs, schools, colleges and within the representative pathway and it incorporates the rules of play, regulation, competition formats and the structure of the season.

It is based on the principles of player centred, development driven and competition supported with the wants and needs of young people at its heart.

Format and Regulations

The format at various ages ensures that young players play the right rugby at the right time. These formats are supported by the regulations of the Age Grade game and have been developed by scientific research and studies on player development in sport.

The principle behind the Rules of Play is to provide a playing format with building blocks to the 15-a-side game that allows players time to get to grips with the basics of running and catching the ball before contact and specialism is gradually introduced – which positively impacts on player safety.

The Under 19 Law Variations remain at the scrum and the phased line out introduction starts at Under 14. The rules ensure there is one consistent game format at each age group in clubs and schools.

Click here for simplified guide to the rule and the player progression
The Regulations for Age Grade Rugby are contained in Regulation 15 of the game and these are supported by the Codes of Practice.

These regulations should also be read with Regulation 21 (Safeguarding) and Regulation 9 (Player Safety).

Regulation 15 includes everything required to support the playing of the game to the right rules in a safe and supportive environment and should act as the first port of call for delivery of Age Grade Rugby.