Youth & Schools Rugby
Youth rugby in Hampshire is well established, with the county being home to clubs, schools, and colleges dedicated to delivering rugby at the grassroots level for girls and boys aged 6 to 18 years.
At the heart of Hampshire’s Youth and Schools Age Grade Rugby Programme is:
- The emphasis on developing not just rugby players, but well-rounded individuals.
- Inclusivity, offering programs for both boys and girls and encouraging participation from all backgrounds.
- Rugby’s core values (TREDS) – teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, which are instilled in players from a young age.
These values play a vital role in shaping the character of young people, helping them develop skills that extend beyond the pitch and into everyday life. Age Grade Rugby programs are based on the principles of player-centred, development-driven, and competition-supported approaches, with the wants and needs of young people at their heart.
Hampshire RFU Youth Rugby are responsible for the following initiatives:
- Mini Festivals: A fun and inclusive introduction to rugby for young players.
- Waterfall Cups: Structured competitions ensuring multiple matches and an emphasis on healthy competition.
- Leagues for Junior Age Groups: Promoting skill development and regular competition.
- Youth Forums: Opportunities for clubs to collaborate, share best practices, and shape the future of youth rugby in Hampshire.
- Oversight of Player Pathways: Ensuring structured development through:
- RFU U16 PDG (Player Development Group)
- Bath Rugby U15 and U16 PDG
- Club Hampshire representative rugby at U17/U18 (Boys) and U18 (Girls)
- Development of the age grade calendar for Hampshire RFU.
Rugby Clubs
Clubs are often the starting point for many young players, offering weekly training sessions from the first weekend in September to the last weekend in April. The clubs focus on skill development, with coaching delivered by RFU-qualified coaches, emphasising fundamental techniques while also introducing players to the importance of sportsmanship and respect for opponents.
Youth Rugby is structured as follows:
Early Years – Under 8s (Year 1 – Year 3)
- Open to girls and boys
- Tag and non-contact rugby
- Sessions incorporate multi-sport and multi-movement activities
- Blend of child-initiated ‘free play’ and adult-led activities to support physical, emotional, social, and communication development
- Mix of training and mini festivals
Under 9s – Under 12s (Year 4 – 7)
- From U9, players are introduced to contact rugby
- Mixed-gender rugby up to U11 (Year 6)
- At U12 (Year 7), girls transition to girls-only rugby with dual age bands, while boys continue with single-age bands
- Mix of training, matches, and mini festivals (up to U12s)
- Introduction of the Waterfall competition at U12s, ensuring multiple match opportunities in an engaging format
Under 13s – Under 18s (Year 8 – 13)
- At U13 (Year 9), players continue with contact rugby under rules designed for progressive skill development
- Mix of training at weekends and midweek, with matches, leagues, and competitions
Click here for a list of clubs with youth sections
For more information and additional resources on Age Grade Rugby, visit England Rugby Age Grade Rugby.
Here, you can find comprehensive guidance on:
- Age-grade coaching
- Player development
- Codes of practice
- Age-grade calendar
- Summer activity guidance
For more information, contact Laura Self, Chair of Youth Rugby at lauraaself@aol.com.
Schools Rugby
Hampshire Schools RFU supports rugby programs that bring the game to life for school age children across the county. They coordinate a variety of exciting events designed to inspire the next generation of rugby players:
- School Cups: Competitive yet inclusive tournaments where schools compete for regional recognition and pride.
- Festivals: Fun, developmental events that introduce students to the game in an engaging and supportive setting.
For more information please contact Hampshire Schools Chair: Luke Wilson HSRFUchair@outlook.com.
