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Mini Rugby Guide

The full 15-a-side game of rugby is too confusing for youngsters. Mini-Rugby is a simplified version, designed to introduce them gradually to the game. It lets them use their natural ability to run, chase, throw, catch and score. They do all this from the very start.

* Under 7 and Under 8 mini-rugby is 7-a-side. There is no kicking and no contact, as "TAG" rugby is played.

* Under 9 Mini-Rugby is 9-a-side. This adds uncontested scrums and the contact skills of tackling, rucking and mauling.

* Under 10 mini-rugby is still 9-a-side and there is still no kicking - but now scrums are contested and when the ball goes out into touch, play restarts with a contested line-out.

* At Under 11 and Under 12`s a 12-a-side game is played which follows nearly all the Laws of the senior game. However, scrums and line-out rules are slightly different. In open play any player may kick the ball from the hand. There are also kick-offs, conversions, penalty kicks and free kicks.

Under 7's & 8's Under 9 Under 10 Under 11's & 12's
Number of players 7 9 9 12 No Hand Offs
Number of Forwards n/a 3 3 5 are allowed
Number of Backs n/a 6 6 7 No fly-kicking of
Tackling no yes yes yes the ball is allowed
Scrum no

yes-but uncontested

yes yes The ball should be carried
Line Out no no yes yes in two hands
Kick from restarts & penalties no no yes yes It should be fun
Kicking in open play no no no yes

MINI RUGBY GUIDE

For full details of Mini & Junior Law see the latest RFU continuum at www.rfu.com